Pakistan Accuses India of ‘Weaponizing Water’ Amidst Flood Crisis

Pakistan has strongly criticized India, alleging the deliberate use of water as a weapon. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that New Delhi intentionally released large volumes of water from its dams without warning.

“India has begun to utilize water as an instrument,” Iqbal commented during a television program, reflecting on the extensive flooding in Punjab. The overflowing of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers has resulted in widespread inundation.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised Sindh’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to evacuate vulnerable populations along the Indus River’s floodplains, as floods claimed at least seven lives in Punjab’s Gujranwala Division.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued directives on Wednesday to accelerate aid and recovery operations in the areas impacted by floods.

The chief minister mandated that field officers and deputy commissioners be present and that damage to homes and agriculture be promptly documented.

She instructed district authorities to prevent civilians from entering the flood zones.

Separately, while overseeing rescue and aid activities in Kartarpur, Iqbal released a video statement calling the water release a severe act of water aggression by India.

“India impounds water on rivers and discharges it suddenly,” the minister noted, arguing that New Delhi’s behavior jeopardizes lives and property.

“Certain matters transcend national disputes and political divides. Nations ought to set aside disagreements and ensure collaboration on water resources.

India has politicized natural disasters. India failed to provide Pakistan with timely information,” he stated, adding that New Delhi’s omission was extremely unfortunate and inhumane.

The minister’s comments allude to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which requires both nations to exchange details on water discharge. However, India has effectively suspended the treaty following an attack in April in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Permanent Court of Arbitration decreed in June that New Delhi could not unilaterally suspend the agreement, issuing a unanimous judgment binding on both countries.

The arbitration court’s decision affirmed that India’s independent actions could not undermine the authority of either the arbitration court or the Neutral Expert in IWT proceedings.

Although India contacted Pakistan to caution about a potential flood situation resulting from water discharge, the communication occurred through diplomatic channels rather than the bilateral commission stipulated by the IWT.