ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has declared that the Indus Waters Treaty is directly linked to Pakistan’s survival and cannot be suspended or put on hold by any single party, underscoring Islamabad’s firm position on an agreement it regards as indispensable to its national interests.
Treaty Described as More Than a Written Agreement
Speaking at the launch of a special report examining the historical, legal and strategic dimensions of the treaty’s suspension and the potential use of water as a weapon, Tarar said international agreements become binding on the parties once they are concluded.
He described the Indus Waters Treaty as more than a written agreement, stressing that its provisions cannot simply be suspended or terminated by one side. He also noted that international legal forums had issued decisions supporting Pakistan’s position on the matter.
According to the minister, Pakistan has raised its concerns over the treaty through diplomatic channels and maintains that the agreement can neither be suspended nor placed in abeyance.
A Mechanism for Regional Stability
Tarar said the treaty has historically served as a mechanism for regional peace and stability. He stressed that Pakistan would not accept the use of water as a means of exerting pressure, given its direct connection to the country’s population, agriculture and economy.
The information minister reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace but would not accept water being used as a weapon, adding that decisions by international courts regarding the suspension or holding of the treaty had already provided clarity on the issue.
Concerns Over Cross-Border Allegations
Tarar also referred to Pakistan’s losses in its fight against terrorism, saying the country had sacrificed thousands of lives and suffered billions of dollars in economic losses.
He alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour had made what he described as unfounded accusations of cross-border interference and subsequently announced keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance on that basis.
Key Points of Pakistan’s Position
- The Indus Waters Treaty is directly linked to Pakistan’s survival, according to the information minister.
- International agreements become binding once concluded and cannot be suspended unilaterally.
- International legal forums have issued decisions supporting Pakistan’s stance.
- Pakistan has pursued its concerns through diplomatic channels.
- Water must not be used as a weapon or a means of pressure.
- Pakistan seeks peace but rejects any attempt to weaponise water resources.
