India’s move on IWT endangers regional stability and Pakistan’s water security
India’s move on IWT endangers regional stability and Pakistan’s water security, warns Ahsan Iqbal, as climate change, glacier melt, and water stress threaten Pakistan’s future.
India’s move on IWT endangers regional stability and Pakistan’s water security, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal warned on Friday, calling it a serious and alarming challenge to peace in South Asia.
Chairing the first meeting of the Task Force on National Water Security in Islamabad, Ahsan Iqbal said India’s unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) threaten not only Pakistan’s water rights but also the fragile geopolitical balance of the region.
Short, decisive policy action is now critical as Pakistan faces mounting pressure from climate change, glacier melt, and rising water demand.
Ahsan Iqbal’s Warning on Indus Waters Treaty Suspension
Addressing senior officials, Ahsan Iqbal said India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty represents a direct violation of international obligations.
He emphasized that water is not merely a development issue but a matter of national survival and sovereignty.
“Any disruption in river flows creates uncertainty that endangers regional stability and Pakistan’s water security,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, along with senior officials from planning and water institutions.
Why the Indus Waters Treaty Is Critical for Pakistan
Signed in 1960 with World Bank facilitation, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the sharing of river waters between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan depends on the treaty for:
- Predictable river flows
- Agricultural sustainability
- Hydropower generation
- National water planning
Approximately 80 percent of Pakistan’s water supply comes from rivers governed under the treaty.
External Link: World Bank – Indus Waters Treaty Fact Sheet
Accelerating Glacier Melt and Climate Alarm
Officials briefing the task force revealed disturbing climate data.
- Glacier melting in the Hindu Kush–Himalayan region increased by 65% between 2011 and 2020
- Siachen Glacier is melting at 50–60 metres annually
- Himalayan glaciers are retreating at up to 30 metres per year
- Since 1960, 23% of glacier ice has already disappeared
Ahsan Iqbal warned that climate change has dramatically accelerated glacier loss, increasing the unpredictability of river flows.
Pakistan’s Growing Water Crisis Explained
Pakistan is rapidly moving toward water scarcity due to:
- Climate-driven river variability
- Rapid population growth
- Inefficient water usage
- Limited storage capacity
Ahsan Iqbal cautioned that prolonged water stress could undermine:
- Food security
- Energy production
- Economic growth
Water conservation, he stressed, is now non-negotiable.
National Water Security Task Force: Key Decisions
To counter emerging threats, Ahsan Iqbal announced:
- Formation of a special working group under the Ministry of Water Resources
- 15-day deadline for practical, implementable recommendations
- Immediate technical workshop to convert policies into execution plans
The working group will coordinate with:
- Wapda
- IRSA
- National Flood Commission
- Provincial governments
Importance of Provincial–Federal Coordination
The minister emphasized that water security cannot be addressed in isolation.
Effective implementation of the National Water Policy requires:
- Strong federal–provincial coordination
- Data sharing
- Unified planning
Water challenges cut across agriculture, energy, urban planning, and disaster management.
Strategic Role of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams
Expanding storage capacity is a central pillar of Pakistan’s water strategy.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted:
- Diamer-Bhasha Dam
- Mohmand Dam
These projects will:
- Regulate seasonal river flows
- Reduce flood risk
- Support irrigation and hydropower
External Link: Diamer-Bhasha Dam Project
Water Security, Food Security, and Economic Survival
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that water conservation is directly linked to food security.
Without stable water supplies:
- Agricultural output declines
- Rural livelihoods suffer
- Inflationary pressures increase
Water scarcity, he warned, could become a systemic national risk.
Regional Stability at Risk
India’s move on IWT endangers regional stability and Pakistan’s water security by introducing political uncertainty into a climate-stressed system.
Experts warn that weaponizing water:
- Increases geopolitical tensions
- Undermines international law
- Sets a dangerous regional precedent
The minister urged diplomatic, legal, and technical preparedness to protect Pakistan’s rights.
Way Forward: Safeguarding Pakistan’s Water Future
The National Water Security Task Force will serve as a long-term coordination platform to:
- Align climate adaptation strategies
- Strengthen water governance
- Protect Pakistan’s water future
Ahsan Iqbal concluded that water security is national security, and decisive action today will determine Pakistan’s resilience tomorrow.
