Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said Pakistan will not allow India to weaponise water, stressing that the Indus Waters Treaty is directly linked to the country’s survival. He said the agreement cannot be unilaterally suspended or placed on hold.
Speaking at the launch of a special report on the treaty, Tarar discussed its historical, legal and strategic importance. He said the report examines the suspension of the agreement and concerns surrounding the use of water as a tool of pressure.
Tarar said international agreements become binding once they are concluded by the parties involved. He described the Indus Waters Treaty as more than a written document, saying its provisions cannot simply be suspended or terminated by one side.
The minister said Pakistan has raised its concerns through diplomatic channels and maintains that the treaty cannot be suspended or placed in abeyance. He also referred to decisions by international legal forums that he said support Pakistan’s position on the issue.
According to Tarar, the treaty has historically contributed to regional peace and stability. He said Pakistan cannot accept water being used to exert pressure because the resource is closely connected to the country’s population, agriculture and economy.
The information minister also referred to Pakistan’s losses in its fight against terrorism. He said the country had sacrificed thousands of lives and suffered billions of dollars in economic losses. He further alleged that India had made accusations of cross-border interference before announcing that it would keep the treaty in abeyance.
Tarar reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace but will not accept the weaponisation of water. He said international court decisions concerning the treaty had already provided clarity, while Pakistan would continue addressing the matter through diplomatic and legal channels.
