THE Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the World Bank as a third-party guarantor, has long been regarded as one of the world’s most successful transboundary water-sharing agreements. Despite wars, military standoffs and prolonged political hostility, the treaty has survived for over six decades, demonstrating that technical cooperation can prevail even during periods of diplomatic confrontation. The treaty allocates the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas and Sutlej—to India, while the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum and Chenab—are reserved primarily for Pakistan, subject to limited uses by India. For Pakistan, whose agriculture, food security, hydropower generation and economy depend overwhelmingly on the Indus Basin, the treaty is not merely a legal document but a national lifeline.

Recent developments, however, have placed the treaty under unprecedented strain. Statements by Indian leaders suggesting a review of the agreement, coupled with accelerated hydroelectric projects on western rivers, have generated deep concern in Pakistan. Islamabad has consistently maintained that any unilateral attempt to alter the treaty or manipulate river flows would constitute a serious violation of international law and pose an existential challenge to Pakistan’s water security. Recognizing the strategic importance of this issue, a high-level Indus Water Seminar was recently held in Islamabad, bringing together policymakers, water experts, legal scholars and strategic analysts. The........

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