Pak. accuses India of ‘weaponising’ water after treaty suspension, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• Pakistan accused India of "weaponizing" water through two proposed projects on the Chenab River.
• Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, stated these projects violate the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
• India maintains it is within its rights to proceed with projects on rivers it controls, adhering to the IWT.
• The projects are feared to have dangerous implications for Pakistan's economy, regional stability, and international peace.

Detailed Insights:

• The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, governs the sharing of six rivers of the Indus basin.
• The treaty allocates the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan.
• India is permitted to use the Western Rivers for non-consumptive purposes like hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and storage within specified limits.
• The two projects on the Chenab River that Pakistan objects to are reportedly the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai Hydroelectric Projects.
• Pakistan's concerns stem from potential reductions in water flow, which could severely impact its agricultural sector and water security.
• The IWT includes a three-tier dispute resolution mechanism involving the Permanent Indus Commission, a Neutral Expert, and a Court of Arbitration.
• India has consistently affirmed its commitment to the IWT while asserting its right to utilize its share of water resources as per the treaty provisions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): A water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, governing the six rivers of the Indus River System.
• Weaponization of Water: The strategic use or manipulation of water resources as a tool of coercion or conflict against another nation.