BRUSSELS, Belgium (Press Release) – Pakistan reiterated that water must never be used as a tool of political pressure and emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains a vital instrument of regional peace, cooperation, and stability.
Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar stated that shared waters should remain a bridge between nations, guided by cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law.
“Shared waters must never be weaponized. They should remain a bridge between nations, guided by cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that water security is directly linked with human dignity, food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability, particularly at a time when climate change, melting glaciers, and increasing water scarcity are creating serious challenges across the region.
Pakistan reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 under the auspices of the World Bank, is a legally binding international agreement that has endured decades of regional tensions and conflicts. Islamabad stressed that no party can unilaterally suspend or disregard treaty obligations that do not provide for such action.
Pakistan expressed serious concerns over any attempt to interrupt or reduce water flows allocated under the Treaty, describing such actions as contrary to international law and potentially damaging for regional peace and security.
The seminar brought together policymakers, diplomats, legal experts, and water specialists to discuss the importance of preserving transboundary water cooperation and strengthening mechanisms for dialogue.
Pakistan emphasized that sustainable management of shared water resources requires collective responsibility, adherence to international commitments, and cooperation among all stakeholders.
