Islamabad: Pakistan has voiced serious concerns regarding India’s proposed Chenab Uplink Tunnel Project, warning that the initiative could have significant implications for water-sharing arrangements between the two neighboring countries. The concerns were highlighted by Pakistan’s Foreign Office in an official statement.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, any attempt to divert water from the Chenab River into another river system would constitute a serious violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan believes such actions could undermine the framework that has governed water distribution between the two countries for decades.
The spokesperson further stated that the project appears inconsistent with the principles of international water law and obligations outlined under the Vienna Convention. Pakistan maintains that all water-related developments must comply with established legal agreements and international norms.
In addition to the tunnel project, Pakistan has also expressed reservations about India’s plans to increase the storage capacity of the Salal Dam. Officials argue that expanding the dam’s capacity could provide India with greater control over water flows in a manner that may not align with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan has warned that these developments strengthen concerns that water resources could be used as a tool of political pressure. The government emphasized that access to shared water resources should remain free from political disputes and should be managed through mutual cooperation and treaty obligations.
The Foreign Office urged the international community to encourage India to halt projects that could alter, restrict, or divert water flows allocated to Pakistan under existing agreements. Islamabad also called for the full and sincere implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty to preserve regional stability and trust.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests, Pakistan stated that it reserves the right to pursue all available diplomatic, legal, and international avenues to safeguard its water rights. Officials stressed that ensuring fair access to water resources remains a key national priority.
