Ex-PM Pervez Ashraf opposes Indian hydropower project on Chenab

Ex-PM Pervez opposes Indian hydropower project on Chenab as tensions between Pakistan and India once again escalate over water security, sovereignty, and regional stability. Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has strongly condemned India’s approval of the Dilhasti Stage-II hydropower project, describing it as a direct violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and a dangerous act of “water aggression.”

Speaking in Lahore, Ashraf accused New Delhi of weaponizing water after facing setbacks on diplomatic and strategic fronts, warning that Pakistan will not remain silent if its lifeline rivers are threatened.

Background of the Chenab River Dispute

The Chenab River, one of the six rivers governed under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is a lifeline for Pakistan’s agriculture and food security. Under the treaty—brokered by the World Bank—India is allowed limited, non-consumptive use of western rivers including the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus.

However, Ex-PM Pervez opposes Indian hydropower project on Chenab because it allegedly violates both the spirit and technical provisions of the treaty.

What Is the Dilhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project?

The Dilhasti Stage-II project is an extension of an existing hydropower facility located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. According to Pakistani officials, the project involves:

• Increased water storage capacity
• Design changes affecting downstream flow
• Potential manipulation of river timing

These features, Pakistan argues, directly contradict the Indus Waters Treaty.

Ex-PM Pervez Ashraf’s Strong Warning

Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf issued one of the strongest warnings yet, stating:

“India is using water as a weapon. This is nothing but water aggression.”

He accused the Modi government of seeking revenge after the failure of what he termed “Operation Sindoor,” suggesting that India is now shifting its confrontation from borders to rivers.

Ashraf further warned that if India crosses Pakistan’s red lines, it risks triggering instability along the Line of Control (LoC) and beyond.

“If India continues on this path, it may push Pakistan into launching Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos II,” he warned.

Indus Waters Treaty Under Threat

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful water-sharing agreements. Even during wars, it has survived—until now.

Experts fear that repeated unilateral hydropower developments could render the treaty ineffective.

External Link: World Bank – Indus Waters Treaty Overview

Pakistan maintains that India’s actions undermine trust and violate technical parameters related to:

• Spillway design
• Water storage limits
• Flow regulation

India’s Strategic Motives and Regional Risks

According to analysts, India’s increasing focus on upstream projects reflects a broader strategic posture in South Asia. Water is fast becoming a geopolitical weapon.

Ex-PM Pervez opposes Indian hydropower project on Chenab not only as a political stance but as a national security concern.

Key risks include:

• Agricultural collapse in downstream regions
• Heightened military tensions
• Destabilization of South Asian peace

Pakistan’s Legal and Diplomatic Options

Raja Pervez Ashraf urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other global forums.

Possible actions include:

• International arbitration
• UN Security Council briefing
• World Bank intervention under IWT mechanisms

External Link: International Court of Justice – Official Website

Regional Stability and Water Security

South Asia is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. Water scarcity, glacier melt, and erratic monsoons already threaten millions.

Adding geopolitical water conflicts could:

• Trigger humanitarian crises
• Undermine regional cooperation
• Increase militarization of natural resources

Experts argue that cooperative water diplomacy is the only sustainable path forward.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for South Asia

Ex-PM Pervez opposes Indian hydropower project on Chenab not merely as a political critique, but as a call to protect international law, regional peace, and millions of lives dependent on shared rivers.

As tensions rise, the world watches closely. Whether diplomacy prevails or confrontation deepens will define the future of South Asian water security.