Pakistan considering legal action over Indus Waters Treaty suspension

LAHORE: Pakistan is engaged in legal and constitutional consultations regarding the potential suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following India’s persistent violations, sources within the Indus Water Commission revealed on Friday. The ministries of foreign affairs, water resources, and law have completed preliminary assessments, with a decision expected within days to formally notify India through diplomatic channels.

Officials stated that Pakistan will demand concrete justifications for any suspension of the treaty while also considering robust protests on international platforms to reinforce its legal and moral stance. “The objective is to ensure Pakistan’s position is legally and ethically justified,” a source said, stressing Islamabad has always adhered to the treaty’s provisions, unlike India.

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Pakistan asserts its legal precedence under the IWT and believes India may eventually be compelled to reconsider its actions. However, any final measures will require approval from the federal cabinet. Sources reiterated that Pakistan has never violated the treaty and remains committed to upholding international laws. The developments come amid growing tensions over water-sharing disputes, with Islamabad preparing to defend its rights under the 1960 accord.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had warned India against targeting the Indus River, saying Pakistan does not seek war but will fight back if the river comes under threat.

Addressing a public rally in Mirpurkhas, Bilawal said, “We saved the Indus together — that was our mission. We will not let the Butcher of Gujarat, Modi, choke the Indus. We don’t want war, but if anyone attacks our Indus, we will fight.”

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He criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly targeting the Indus Waters Treaty following a recent militant attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

“India says it no longer recognises the treaty, but we reject this declaration. Indus is not just a river — it is our history and culture. Let Modi know — either water will flow in the Indus or blood.”