Pakistan is committed to securing its water rights under the Indus Water Treaty through all possible legal and diplomatic means, as stated by Sardar Masood Khan, former president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former ambassador. Khan warned that any attempt to reduce Pakistan’s share of water could create a human catastrophe, posing serious threats to regional peace and security.
In a statement today, Khan emphasized that Pakistan prioritizes conflict resolution through international law and dialogue, but cannot tolerate unilateral actions that endanger the welfare and survival of over 250 million citizens. He highlighted the critical connection between water security and Pakistan’s economic stability, agricultural productivity, food security, and national survival.
Khan termed the Indus Water Treaty, established in 1960, as unjust from Pakistan’s perspective, citing Pakistan’s significant concessions regarding the six rivers of the Indus Basin. He accused India of exploiting the treaty’s provisions, constructing multiple dams, and altering river flows, actions he claimed were against the essence of the agreement.
He further stated that India has no legal basis to unilaterally suspend the treaty, citing an arbitration court’s decision that deemed India’s actions illegal. International legal experts and the World Bank support Pakistan’s stance that the treaty is permanently binding, emphasizing the need for its good faith implementation.
Khan highlighted the broader implications of India’s actions, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis affecting millions, rather than merely a legal or political dispute. He urged the Pakistani government to robustly present the issue before international communities to demonstrate the grave consequences of weaponizing water.
On the regional front, Khan mentioned China’s significant role in water management, as it stands as the upper riparian state of major rivers entering India. He referenced China’s hydropower projects on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, underscoring the strategic importance of riparian rights, although China traditionally exercises diplomatic caution.
Discussing regional security challenges, Khan identified ongoing threats from state-sponsored terrorism and proxy wars. He mentioned the loss of thousands of Pakistani lives due to attacks by externally supported terrorist networks. Khan expressed expectations from Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent its territory from being used against Pakistan, warning that continued support for terrorist groups threatens regional stability.
Regarding the Middle East, Khan mentioned Pakistan’s mediating role between the US and Iran, which has garnered global recognition. He acknowledged the challenges in the full implementation of reconciliation due to ongoing regional tensions but expressed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate further dialogue. Successful reconciliation could transform the Middle East’s security and economic landscape, positioning Pakistan as a stabilizing force and a reliable diplomatic partner.
Concluding his address, Khan called for national unity to safeguard Pakistan’s vital interests. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution through diplomacy and international law while maintaining the resolve and capability to defend its sovereign rights and national security.