Indus River projects undertaken by India could significantly alter natural water flows and create serious challenges for regional stability and water security, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.
Speaking virtually at a conference on transboundary water resources in Brussels, Dar expressed concern over India’s reservoir expansion and water diversion schemes across the Indus river system.
He said Pakistan’s concerns were based not only on statements from India but also on developments already taking place on key rivers in the basin.
“It is important to underscore that our concerns are not merely based on Indian statements,” Dar said. He noted that India had pursued a number of projects, including new reservoirs, expansion of existing infrastructure, and diversion schemes on the Indus, Chenab, and Ravi rivers.
According to Dar, at least 17 projects could significantly reshape the river system and provide India with what he described as the tools for “hydro-hegemony.”
Pakistan has repeatedly maintained that any attempt to alter the flow of shared rivers would be unacceptable. Islamabad also argues that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty remains legally binding and does not allow unilateral withdrawal.
The treaty regulates the use of six rivers that originate in India and flow into Pakistan through the Indus basin, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in both countries.
India announced in May 2025 that it had suspended its participation in the treaty after accusing Pakistan of involvement in a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan strongly rejected the allegation.
During his address, Dar said the Indus Waters Treaty had survived several conflicts over the decades and continued to provide a framework for the management of shared water resources.
He emphasized that Pakistan had consistently used international legal mechanisms to address disputes and respected decisions even when they did not fully align with its expectations.
“Responsible states act within established legal frameworks rather than abandoning them,” he said.
Describing rivers as lifelines with historical, cultural, and economic importance, Dar warned that denying populations access to water could have severe consequences.
“Water must never be viewed as an instrument of coercion,” he said, stressing that future management of transboundary water resources should be guided by cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law.
The deputy prime minister said the issue was not limited to South Asia and highlighted the importance of honoring international agreements worldwide to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Dar said the country remained committed to resolving disputes through diplomacy, dialogue, and international legal channels.
“Lasting solutions can only emerge through cooperation and respect for mutually agreed obligations,” he said.
Dar also pointed to the growing impact of climate change on water resources. He noted that Pakistan contributes less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related challenges.
He called for stronger international cooperation to address water security issues and promote sustainable management of shared water resources.
