President Asif Ali Zardari has called on India to immediately reinstate full adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing Pakistan’s condemnation of its unilateral suspension. Speaking on World Water Day, President Zardari highlighted that India’s actions, including halting data sharing and disrupting agreed mechanisms, undermine a treaty that has governed water allocation for over sixty years. He stated that this deliberate misuse of shared water resources presents a significant concern and poses a threat to Pakistan’s food and economic stability.

The President elaborated that India’s decision to suspend the treaty jeopardizes the livelihoods of millions who depend on the Indus river system. This move, he warned, establishes a dangerous precedent for managing transboundary resources under international law. The Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960 with the World Bank’s assistance, designates the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers primarily for Pakistan’s use, and the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers for India.

India announced its unilateral suspension of the treaty in April 2025, following an incident in occupied Kashmir that New Delhi attributed to Pakistan without providing evidence. Despite this, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a Supplemental Award of Competence in June, asserting that India does not possess the authority to unilaterally suspend the treaty. This ruling underscores the international expectation for adherence to the treaty’s established framework.

Addressing the theme of World Water Day, ‘Water and Gender,’ President Zardari pointed out the unequal impact of water insecurity. He noted that women and girls disproportionately bear the burden when access to safe water is limited, spending considerable time fetching water. This diverts them from education, work, and family, and introduces health risks, highlighting the need for equitable water access.

The President stressed that ensuring reliable and safe water supply is not merely a matter of public service but also of fairness and opportunity, aligning with the constitutional right to safe water and sanitation in Pakistan. The call to India to restore the Indus Waters Treaty implementation comes as the nation grapples with its own water access challenges, particularly for women and girls.