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India is setting a dangerous precedent by violating the Indus Waters Treaty. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources Ahmad Atteeq Anwer has urged the international community to take action against what he described as direct violations of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by India.
In an interview, he called on the global community to take note and help ensure compliance with the decades-old water-sharing agreement.
Anwer said Pakistan intends to raise the issue in international forums and pursue the matter in the Permanent Court of Arbitration to seek legal remedy under the provisions of the treaty.
He said the commission had conveyed the seriousness of the situation to the international community, stressing that India was “using water resources as a weapon”.
Stressing the need for regional peace and economic stability, the President said India must be pressed by the international community to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty.
The IWT, negotiated by the World Bank in 1960, governs the use of waters of the Indus river system between the two neighboring countries.
It is widely considered one of the world’s most enduring water-sharing agreements, having survived several periods of political and military tension.
Anwer stressed that Pakistan would engage with friendly countries that have strong diplomatic relations with India, urging them to play a constructive role in encouraging compliance with the treaty.
“We will reach out to our brotherly and friendly countries that enjoy good relations with India to help end CIES violations and support a fair resolution,” he said.
He warned that continued conflicts over water resources could have serious consequences for regional stability, agriculture and economic development.
“Water security is directly linked to food security and economic sustainability. Any unilateral action undermines trust and threatens long-term peace in the region,” he added.
