Pakistan’s military establishment has vowed to take “all necessary measures” to secure the country’s “rightful share” of water under the Indus Water Treaty, according to an official army statement. The move follows India’s decision to put the 1960 water-sharing agreement in “abeyance” as a punitive response to a terror attack in Pahalgam last year that killed 26 people.
Why is the Pakistani military intervening in the water dispute?
The Pakistani Army, led by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, expressed a “resolute commitment” to ensure water availability during the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference. This military stance aligns with government directives and the “inspirations of the people of Pakistan,” the army stated.
The military’s position is anchored in a National Security Committee (NSC) directive from April 24, 2025. According to the army, that NSC meeting decided to treat any act of stopping or diverting water as “an act of war.”
What are the political and security implications?
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused India of attempting to “weaponise” the Indus River waters. In a video from a public gathering, Bhutto-Zardari stated there would be “no compromise” on the treaty and that Pakistan would fight a war with India if necessary.
Simultaneously, the NSC expressed “serious concerns” over militant groups using Afghan Taliban-controlled territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. The forum stated Pakistan has an “unequivocal right” to defend its people through intelligence-based operations under Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq.
How is India responding to the threats?
India maintains that the treaty remains in abeyance due to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan must “credibly and irrevocably abjure” such support before the situation changes.
New Delhi has signaled that treaties cannot operate independently of “ground realities.” Consequently, India is no longer sharing monsoon flood warnings via the Indus Water Commissioners and is proceeding with hydroelectric projects including Sawalkote, Ratle, Bursar, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai I and II.
What may happen next?
Tensions could escalate if India continues the suspension of flood warnings or accelerates the construction of the listed hydroelectric projects. Pakistan may continue to seek international intervention, as it has already written to the United Nations and held international conferences to highlight its vulnerability.
A possible next step involves further military mobilization or diplomatic escalation, given the NSC’s classification of water diversion as an “act of war.” Conversely, the situation may remain in a stalemate until India is satisfied that Pakistan has addressed the “abnormal hostility” cited by New Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty?
India put the treaty in abeyance as a punitive measure following a terror attack in Pahalgam last year that resulted in 26 deaths.
How dependent is Pakistan on the Indus River system?
According to the source, nearly 80-90 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on the system, and its water storage capacity barely covers one month of flow.
What is the military’s official stance on water diversion?
The Pakistan National Security Committee (NSC) decided to treat any act of stopping or diverting water as “an act of war.”
Do you believe water-sharing treaties can remain effective when diplomatic relations between nuclear-armed neighbors collapse?