Islamabad:
Pakistan has raised objections after India has bypassing the Industry Water Treaty (IWT) by sending flood warnings through diplomatic channels instead of the Industry Commission, the forum designated under the 1960 agreement.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad transmitted data on the floods on Sunday, marking the first exchange of this type since New Delhi unilaterally suspended the treaty following the Pahalgam attack in April.
In a letter seen by The Express PK Press ClubThe Indian High Commissioner of Islamabad informed Pakistan of a “strong flood” in River Tawi, Jammu, at 10:00 on August 24.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed development but questioned India’s communication method. “On August 24, 2025, India committed flood warnings through diplomatic channels, rather than through the Industry Water Commission, as required by ITP. India is forced to fully comply with all the provisions of the treaty, ”read the FO declaration.
He added that the unilateral suspension of India of the treaty constitutes a “serious violation of international law” with potential consequences for regional peace and stability.
Learn more: India alerts Pakistan about the threat of floods
A senior Pakistani official said The Express PK Press Club That India seems to deliberately omit the reference to the treaty to establish a “new normal” in its relations with Pakistan. An anonymous Indian official, quoted by Reuters, said that the data had been shared for “humanitarian reasons” and not under the bonds processed.
Following the alert, the Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued warnings for the districts of Gujrat and Siackot, warning that the increase in River Tawi waters could affect the flow of Chenab. District administrations were responsible for activating flood surveillance and emergency intervention systems.
Signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, the Industrial Water Treaty allocates Western Rivers – Industs, Jhelum and Chenab – in Pakistan, while India controls Eastern rivers – delighted, Beas and Sutlej – to conditions that do not significantly modify Western flows.
The permanent court of arbitration has recently reaffirmed that India cannot unilaterally move away from the treaty and must be strictly in accordance with the provisions governing the standard projects of people.
Islamabad has repeatedly warned that any attempt by New Delhi to hinder Pakistan of water would be considered an act of aggression.
