Weaponising Water
The Indus Waters Treaty between Pakistan and India is an integral source of peace and stability in South Asia, and India’s avoidance of dispute resolution is tantamount to negating international law. In June and August 2025, the Court of Arbitration not only upheld the status of the Indus Waters Treaty but also declared the treaty enforceable and made its compliance mandatory for both parties. India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Despite this, India is not complying. The UN Special Rapporteurs have also expressed concern over this matter. While the Indian Home Minister’s statements not to restore the IWT and to divert water are very worrying, Pakistan has already announced that stopping or diverting water would be considered an act of war.
Lahore second most polluted city globally as Punjab faces severe smog
India’s attempts to influence the flow of water in the Chenab and Jhelum rivers have been ongoing in one form or another for some time. However, after the defeat at the hands of Pakistan in Marka-e-Haq this year, India’s water aggression and attempts to use water as a weapon have started to come to the fore. India is not able to turn its defeat into victory in any way, but since it is unable to do so, it is openly violating international law and restricting the flow of water from rivers. Although the river water-sharing agreement, the “Indus Waters Treaty 1960”, can be considered exemplary to the extent that it has been adhered to under all........
