Shah blasts India's 'illegal' IWT move

Sindh CM warns against weaponising water, urges global action over treaty violation

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday strongly condemned India's attempt to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a blatant violation of international law and treaty obligations.

In a statement, the chief minister said the decades-old accord was a binding international agreement that had withstood wars and prolonged regional tensions, and could not be altered at the will of any government.

"India has neither legal nor moral authority to unilaterally suspend or revoke the treaty," he said, warning that any attempt to use water as a weapon was unacceptable and would threaten peace, stability and the livelihoods of millions in Pakistan.

Describing the Indus as Pakistan's "lifeline" and the "soul of Sindh", CM Shah said any aggression against the river would be tantamount to aggression against the country. "For thousands of years, the Indus has sustained our civilisation, agriculture, economy and identity," he added.

The chief minister said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had consistently led efforts to safeguard the country's water rights. From Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Benazir Bhutto, and under the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party had never compromised on issues affecting the federation and Sindh, he said.

Referring to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's slogan - "Marsoon Marsoon, Sindhu na desoon" - CM Shah said it reflected the resolve of the people of Sindh and Pakistan to protect their rightful share of water.

"We will defend our river through diplomatic, legal and constitutional means, with full national unity," he said.

CM Shah urged the federal government to pursue all available diplomatic and legal avenues under international law and raise the matter at relevant international forums.

He also called on the international community to ensure respect for treaty obligations and reject any attempt to use water as a tool of political pressure.

The chief minister reiterated that the Sindh government would continue to safeguard the province's water interests and stand with the people of Pakistan in defending their rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.