World Bank Support for Pakistan on Indus Waters Treaty: PM Shehbaz Applauds Strategic Alliance

World Bank support for Pakistan on Indus Waters Treaty has taken center stage in a critical moment of South Asian geopolitics. As India escalates tensions by unilaterally suspending the historic Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the World Bank’s principled and strategic alignment with Pakistan.

In a high-profile meeting held in Islamabad, Shehbaz commended the World Bank’s long-standing partnership, reaffirming the country’s commitment to international law, regional cooperation, and peaceful dispute resolution.

PM Shehbaz Lauds World Bank’s Endorsement

During a meeting with Ousmane Dione, World Bank Regional Vice President for MENA, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed sincere gratitude for the World Bank’s clear support of Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty.

Calling India’s recent actions “unilateral and illegal,” the premier condemned the move to suspend the treaty as a direct violation of international law. He noted that the World Bank’s position reflects a powerful validation of Pakistan’s legal and moral standing in the global community.

Backing International Law and Regional Stability

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to upholding international law, advancing peaceful dialogue, and fostering regional prosperity. He emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty—brokered by the World Bank in 1960—remains a critical instrument for water-sharing and peace in South Asia.

“The World Bank’s support is not just for Pakistan—it is for international justice,” said Shehbaz. “It reaffirms that multilateral treaties must not be broken for political ends.”

The Country Partnership Framework: Strategic Collaboration

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the strategic role played by the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) in aligning World Bank development assistance with Pakistan’s national priorities.

Key areas of collaboration under the CPF include:

• Energy Transition & Climate Resilience

• Human Capital & Development

• Governance & Institutional Reforms

• Sustainable Infrastructure

Shehbaz thanked the World Bank for its critical assistance during the 2022 floods, which devastated large parts of the country. The Bank’s timely intervention allowed for emergency relief and early recovery operations across flood-hit provinces.

Related Content: Pakistan’s National Climate Resilience Strategy

India’s IWT Suspension: A Breach of Trust

Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed 26 lives. India blamed Pakistan without providing any evidence—a claim that Islamabad strongly rejected.

In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked Pakistani visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, an unprecedented move seen by many analysts as an “act of war.” Pakistan, in turn, sealed the border from its side and reached out to international forums, including the World Bank.

Legal experts note that India’s actions breach the spirit and letter of the 1960 treaty and threaten regional water security. The World Bank’s support for Pakistan is seen as a necessary counterbalance to such provocations.

External Resource: World Bank Indus Waters Treaty Brief

World Bank Reiterates Commitment to Pakistan

In a separate meeting with Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Ousmane Dione reaffirmed the World Bank’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic reforms and its commitment to long-term collaboration.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs:

“The World Bank appreciated Pakistan’s reform agenda under the Country Partnership Framework, particularly efforts to stabilize the economy and improve institutional governance.”

The meeting emphasized deepening partnerships in sectors critical to recovery and resilience, such as:

• Public Financial Management

• Renewable Energy Projects

• Water Resource Management

• Education and Health Systems

Future Cooperation: Roadmap Ahead

Both sides expressed a clear intent to deepen cooperation in the coming years. Areas of focus will include:

• Enhancing climate adaptation strategies

• Strengthening water governance

• Expanding access to education and digital services

• Supporting sustainable agriculture

Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated that such cooperation is not just beneficial for Pakistan, but essential for regional peace and development.

Conclusion: Defending Treaty Rights and Peace

The World Bank’s backing for Pakistan on the Indus Waters Treaty comes at a critical time. As tensions escalate and diplomacy is tested, World Bank support for Pakistan on Indus Waters Treaty stands as a symbol of multilateralism and international accountability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz’s statements send a powerful message: Pakistan is committed to peace, but will also stand firm in defense of its legal rights and sovereignty.

With the Country Partnership Framework acting as a roadmap, and the World Bank standing by Pakistan’s side, a renewed era of development, diplomacy, and regional stability appears within reach.

Read More: Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty