AhlulBayt News Agency: During a Senate session on Friday, lawmakers across party lines reaffirmed that the treaty — a water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960 — remains binding and cannot be altered without the mutual consent of both India and Pakistan.
According to reporting by Dawn, Senator Ali Zafar of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party stated, “If India blocks our water, international law and UN resolutions allow Pakistan to respond in self-defence, even militarily.” He characterized the looming water crisis as a threat comparable to terrorism and described India’s reported suspension of the treaty as "a war thrust on us."
Zafar emphasized that the Indus River system is vital for Pakistan’s agriculture and sustains nearly 90% of the country’s population and crops. He urged the government to approach the matter with caution and avoid making statements that could undermine Pakistan’s position internationally.
Opposition leader Shibli Faraz echoed this sentiment, saying, “The IWT is a settled treaty. It can only be amended with the consent of both countries. Otherwise, it stands as is.” He warned against holding direct talks with India on the issue, suggesting instead that Pakistan focus on building a strong legal and diplomatic case.
PTI Senator Humayun Mohmand also urged officials not to adopt a defensive posture on the matter. Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza took a more cautious view, highlighting the economic disparity between the two nations and warning that military action against a $700 billion economy would be a difficult path. Murtaza called for a cross-party parliamentary committee of legal experts to review all agreements with India, including the Shimla Agreement and the IWT.
The debate over the treaty comes amid broader concerns about Pakistan’s growing water scarcity. Climate change and population growth are rapidly reducing available freshwater resources, with experts warning of a crisis unless structural reforms are implemented.
Concerns Over Parliamentary Functioning
In a related discussion, several senators raised concerns about the functioning of the upper house. Shibli Faraz criticized what he described as the "tyranny of the majority" and a deterioration of parliamentary standards, lamenting rushed legislation and a lack of meaningful debate.
Faraz asserted, “The Senate has been reduced to a post office. We must restore its relevance and dignity.”
Irfan Siddiqui, parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) who was presiding over the session, largely agreed with Faraz’s remarks. He noted, however, that similar conditions prevailed when PTI was in power and committed to reforms including restoring the question hour and improving legislative transparency.
PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwala also endorsed the call for a regular question hour, stating it was essential for accountability and oversight.
Background on the Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. It is widely considered one of the most successful transboundary water-sharing agreements, having survived multiple conflicts between the two countries.
India has recently raised concerns over the treaty’s terms, citing changing hydrological conditions and technological advancements. In 2023, Indian officials indicated a desire to renegotiate aspects of the agreement, a move met with strong resistance in Pakistan.
Observers note that while tensions over water are not new, the potential for escalation makes it imperative that both countries adhere to the mechanisms provided by the treaty and international law to resolve disputes.
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