Pakistan is facing a looming water crisis after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian citizens. The move, part of India’s strong diplomatic response under Operation Sindoor, has sparked deep concern across Pakistan’s political spectrum.
Speaking in the Senate, Pakistani opposition leader and PTI senator Syed Ali Zafar issued a stark warning, calling the situation a “water bomb” and urging the Shehbaz Sharif-led government to act before the country faces famine.
“If we don’t solve this water crisis now, we could die of hunger,” Zafar said.
“Three-fourths of our water comes from outside Pakistan. Our survival — food, power, agriculture — depends on this.”
Indus River System: Pakistan’s Lifeline
Zafar highlighted that the Indus River Basin supports nearly 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture, powers major dams and hydroelectric projects, and is vital to the livelihoods of millions.
“Out of every ten people, nine depend on water from international rivers. Our entire infrastructure — from farming to power generation — is built around the Indus,” he added.
“This is not just a treaty issue; this is a national survival issue.”
Why India Suspended the Treaty
India’s decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, came shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, believed to be carried out by groups operating from Pakistani soil. The suspension is seen as part of a broader diplomatic and strategic retaliation under Operation Sindoor.
While India and Pakistan had briefly agreed to a ceasefire following the escalation, the truce was broken hours later after a drone strike allegedly launched from across the border.
Mounting Pressure on Pakistan’s Government
Senator Zafar called on the Pakistani government to urgently open diplomatic channels and resolve the crisis before it spirals into a large-scale humanitarian disaster.
“We must defuse this water bomb. The government needs to act — not tomorrow, but now,” he said, warning that agriculture, food supply, and power generation will collapse if the water flow from India is permanently halted.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a significant shift in India’s diplomatic posture, one that goes beyond conventional military responses. Analysts say this move could reshape the power balance in South Asia and put long-term pressure on Pakistan’s water security and economy.
