Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Indus Waters Treaty is a bilateral water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank and signed on September 19, 1960, by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan. The treaty aimed to resolve disputes over the use of the Indus River system, which spans both countries.
Origin after 1947 Partition
Following the partition of British India in 1947, both India and Pakistan inherited portions of the Indus River system. The division led to disputes over water rights, especially concerning irrigation needs in Pakistan’s Punjab region. In 1954, the World Bank proposed a solution, leading to six years of negotiations before the treaty was finalized in 1960.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
- Water Allocation: The treaty allocated the waters of the six rivers of the Indus system as follows:
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India for unrestricted use.
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan, with certain permissible uses for India
Benefits of the Treaty
- Peaceful Cooperation: The treaty has been instrumental in maintaining peace between India and Pakistan over water resources, despite other bilateral tensions.
- Infrastructure Development: Facilitated the construction of dams and irrigation systems, such as the Mangla and Tarbela dams in Pakistan, ensuring water availability for agriculture and power generation.
- Data Sharing: Promoted transparency and cooperation through regular exchanges of data on river flows and infrastructure projects.
Suspension of the Treaty
On April 23, 2025, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. India accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, leading to heightened tensions. In response, India downgraded diplomatic relations, expelled Pakistani military advisers, and imposed travel restrictions. Pakistan denied any involvement and condemned India’s decision to suspend the treaty as an act of “water warfare.”
Consequences for Pakistan
- Water Supply Disruptions: Suspension of the treaty could lead to reduced water availability for Pakistan, affecting agriculture and daily life.
- Economic Impact: Agriculture, a significant sector in Pakistan’s economy, may face challenges due to water shortages.
- Regional Tensions: The move has escalated tensions between the two countries, potentially affecting regional stability.
Future of the Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty has been a cornerstone of Indo-Pakistani relations, promoting cooperation over shared water resources. The recent suspension marks a significant shift, with potential implications for both nations. The future of the treaty remains uncertain, and its resolution will require diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues and restore trust between the two countries.
