Ishaq Dar warns India over Water Treaty

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has warned that any attempt to undermine the Indus Waters

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has warned that any attempt to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty could have serious implications for regional peace and international stability.

Speaking at an international seminar in Islamabad on water security and regional cooperation, the foreign minister stressed that international agreements must be respected and implemented regardless of political differences between states.

He said the credibility of the global legal system depends on the sanctity of treaties and warned that ignoring legally binding agreements could weaken confidence in international institutions and diplomatic mechanisms.

The foreign minister noted that the consequences of undermining international commitments would extend beyond South Asia and could set dangerous precedents for relations between states around the world.

Referring to concerns over recent developments involving shared river systems, Dar said Pakistan had observed actions that raised serious questions about compliance with agreed water-sharing arrangements.

He pointed to fluctuations in water flows in major rivers and expressed concern over infrastructure developments that could affect the natural flow of rivers allocated to Pakistan under existing agreements.

According to the foreign minister, water security is not merely a political issue for Pakistan but a matter directly linked to the survival and prosperity of millions of citizens.

He said agriculture, food production, energy generation and economic growth in Pakistan heavily depend on the uninterrupted flow of water from the western rivers covered under the treaty.

Protecting these water resources, he added, remains a vital national priority and an issue of strategic importance for the country.

Dar urged regional stakeholders to avoid steps that could increase tensions and instead promote dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.

He emphasized that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through mutual respect, adherence to international law and constructive engagement between neighboring countries.

The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful relations and regional stability while making it clear that the country would firmly defend its legal rights under international agreements.

He said Pakistan does not seek confrontation but would oppose any action that infringes upon its legitimate share of transboundary water resources.

According to Dar, the government remains committed to using diplomatic, legal and international forums to safeguard the country’s interests and uphold treaty obligations.

He recalled that Pakistan’s leadership has previously declared that any attempt to block, divert or significantly reduce the country’s lawful water share would be viewed as an extremely serious matter with major security implications.

The foreign minister said this position reflects a broad national consensus on the importance of protecting Pakistan’s water rights.

Highlighting Pakistan’s broader foreign policy approach, Dar said the country continues to support regional peace initiatives and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging cooperation.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy is based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence with all nations.

The foreign minister also stressed the importance of international institutions in maintaining peace and resolving disputes through lawful and diplomatic channels.

Concluding his remarks, Dar emphasized that water should remain a source of cooperation and development rather than conflict, warning that shared natural resources must never be transformed into political or strategic weapons.