Pakistan Urges India to Fully Honour Indus Waters Treaty Amid Flood Crisis
Islamabad, September 5, 2025 — Pakistan has called on India to fully comply with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), expressing concern over New Delhi’s limited sharing of flood-related data during this year’s devastating monsoon season.
At a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that India bypassed the office of the Indus Water Commissioner and instead issued alerts only through diplomatic channels. He urged New Delhi to respect all provisions of the treaty and ensure timely communication through the proper forum.
Floods Cause Widespread Devastation in Punjab
The statement comes as Pakistan faces one of the worst floods in its recent history. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), more than 905 people have lost their lives since late June when the monsoon season began.
The floods have submerged nearly 1,400 villages in Punjab, displaced over a million people, and destroyed vast areas of farmland. After wreaking havoc in Punjab, floodwaters are now moving towards Sindh, where authorities are bracing for what is being described as a potential “super flood.”
India’s Treaty Suspension Disputed
Tensions over water sharing have heightened in recent years. India had previously announced the suspension of its participation in the IWT following unrest in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan rejected the allegations that led to the move, calling it a violation of international agreements.
In June 2025, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. The court’s unanimous decision reaffirmed that the treaty remains legally binding on both sides.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
Signed in September 1960 with the World Bank as a mediator, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the distribution of water from rivers flowing from India into Pakistan.
-
India was granted use of the three eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.
-
Pakistan received rights to the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
The treaty includes dispute resolution mechanisms but contains no provision for unilateral suspension or termination by either party.
