IWT violations: NA panel chief urges action

ISLAMABAD:

National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources Chairman Ahmad Atteeq Anwer has urged the international community to take action against what he described as direct violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by India.

In an interview, he called on global community to take notice and help ensure compliance with the decades-old water-sharing agreement.

Anwer said Pakistan intends to raise the matter at international forums and pursue the case through the Permanent Court of Arbitration to seek legal remedy under the provisions of the treaty.

He said the committee had conveyed the gravity of the situation to the international community, stressing that India is "using water resources as a weapon".

Stressing the need for regional peace and economic stability, the chairman said India must be pressed by the international community to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty.

The IWT, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the use of waters from the Indus River system between the two neighbouring countries.

It is widely regarded as one of the most enduring water-sharing agreements in the world, having survived multiple periods of political and military tension.

Anwer emphasised that Pakistan would engage with friendly nations that maintain strong diplomatic ties with India, urging them to play a constructive role in encouraging compliance with the treaty.

"We will reach out to our brotherly and friendly countries who have good relations with India to help stop IWT violations and support a fair resolution," he said.

He warned that continued disputes over water resources could have serious implications for regional stability, agriculture, and economic development.

"Water security is directly linked to food security and economic sustainability. Any unilateral action undermines trust and threatens long-term peace in the region," he added.