Pakistan has strongly criticized India for bypassing the Indus Water Commission and instead using diplomatic channels to issue a flood warning, terming the move a clear violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources, India contacted Islamabad for the first time since recent hostilities, when the Indian High Commission informed the government on August 24 of potential flooding in rivers. However, the Foreign Office clarified that the warning was not shared through the Indus Water Commission, the legally mandated mechanism under the 1960 treaty.
The Foreign Office spokesperson stressed that India is bound to fully comply with all clauses of the treaty. “India’s unilateral decision to bypass the Commission and suspend the treaty amounts to a grave breach of international law and could have dangerous consequences for peace and stability in South Asia,” the statement said.
Flood alerts were shared with Pakistan’s NDMA after India released water into the Sutlej River, raising fears of high flood levels. Officials warned that India’s disregard for treaty obligations not only undermines bilateral agreements but also puts millions of lives at risk downstream.
