Dar warns of 'serious implications' for regional peace, security if Pakistan deprived of water share under IWT

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized on Tuesday that any attempt to strip Pakistan of its rightful water allocation under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would have "serious implications" for regional peace and security. The Foreign Office reported that Dar made his remarks during an International Water Symposium organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Austria and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna.

He underscored his nation's commitment to safeguarding its rights and interests under the treaty and international law, stating that any move to deny Pakistan its allocated waters would have significant consequences. Dar highlighted water's critical role in human survival, prosperity, and environmental sustainability, noting that its availability increasingly shapes state relations.

He argued that transboundary river systems create a "permanent interdependence" among nations, and that water security is inextricably linked to food security, energy production, economic development, and ecological systems. Dar stressed that the Indus River System provides water and support for over 250 million people in Pakistan, encompassing agriculture, food security, energy, development, and life-sustaining ecosystems.

He warned that any attempt to undermine Pakistan's rights to these waters would have far-reaching consequences beyond a bilateral dispute. The IWT, signed by Pakistan in 1960, replaced the concept of "upstream discretion" with legally binding obligations, establishing a framework of certainty and predictability. However, India unilaterally suspended the treaty in April 2025, despite it containing no provision for such action.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a unanimous ruling in August that India must uphold the treaty and restrict its work on a hydropower project, reaffirming that the treaty remains fully in force and that India remains bound by its obligations. Dar emphasized that the decision confirmed that the rights and obligations under the IWT cannot be unilaterally displaced.

Nevertheless, he criticized India's persistent "intransigent behavior and illegal actions." Pakistan has consistently attempted to resolve differences through dialogue, diplomacy, and the treaty's dispute resolution mechanisms, including participation in Neutral Expert proceedings under the PCA's Vienna Office. Dar stressed that the credibility of international law depends on the faithful implementation of treaties and respect for decisions rendered under agreed procedures.

He highlighted the humanitarian, economic, and security implications of using water as an instrument of pressure, warning that India's actions could set a dangerous precedent for other transboundary river basins. The deputy premier reiterated Pakistan's commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful dispute resolution, emphasizing that cooperation over shared waters is essential for regional peace, development, and sustainability.

The way forward, he stated, hinges on implementing the IWT in full, addressing differences through established mechanisms, and enhancing technical engagement, transparency, and data-sharing in accordance with the treaty. Pakistan remains ready to pursue this path, Dar concluded.