Pakistan Urges India to Uphold Indus Waters Treaty, Warns of Dangerous Precedent

Pakistan has called on India to respect the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cautioning that any suspension of the landmark water-sharing agreement would set a risky precedent for downstream nations worldwide.

Addressing the 4th High-Level International Water Conference in Tajikistan’s capital, Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, accused India of politicizing shared water resources and weaponizing water.

“Any attempt to place the treaty in abeyance would set a dangerous precedent for downstream countries,” Malik stated. He emphasized that the IWT has provided stability for over 65 years and urged compliance with international mediation mechanisms.

Malik told the conference that climate change should foster greater cooperation rather than unilateral actions, and called for binding international covenants on transboundary waters along with consequences for violators.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, with both sides continuing to press their positions in global forums. India has maintained a firm stance on reversing its decision only with progress on terrorism concerns.