Pakistan has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with India concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) within its existing framework. This announcement follows India’s recent formal notification seeking modifications to the 62-year-old treaty due to “unforeseen changes in circumstances.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized the country’s commitment to the treaty, which has facilitated water-sharing between the two nations for decades.
During a press briefing, Ms. Baloch underscored that deliberations should occur within the Permanent Indus Commission, which comprises officials from both countries. She praised the treaty as the “gold standard” of bilateral agreements on water sharing and expressed hope that India would also uphold its commitment. Despite tensions, Pakistan remains open to constructive dialogue on the treaty, which has survived numerous challenges since its signing in 1960.
Recent Developments in the IWT
India has issued a formal notice to Pakistan under Article XII (3) of the treaty, calling for negotiations to address concerns such as population changes, environmental issues, and the need for clean energy development. The notice follows a prolonged dispute over hydropower projects on the Chenab and Neelam rivers in Jammu and Kashmir, with Pakistan raising objections about the Kishanganga and Ratle projects.
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Both the World Bank’s neutral expert mechanism and the Permanent Court of Arbitration have been activated to handle the disagreements. While India has participated in neutral expert meetings, it has refrained from engaging with the arbitration court, citing the risk of contradictory rulings. The treaty, however, has not been amended since it was brokered by the World Bank in 1960, underscoring its historical resilience.
Pakistan’s Stance on Lebanon and Afghanistan
In addition to the IWT, the Foreign Office addressed regional concerns, condemning an attack in Lebanon as an act of “terrorism” by Israel. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism, extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Furthermore, Pakistan lodged a formal protest against an Afghan diplomat for disrespecting the national anthem during a recent event. Discussions with Afghan authorities are ongoing, with Pakistan reserving the right to take appropriate diplomatic action based on the outcome of internal deliberations.
While tensions between India and Pakistan over water disputes persist, both countries have signaled their readiness to address concerns through diplomatic channels. The Indus Waters Treaty, despite its challenges, remains a testament to the enduring importance of cooperation on shared resources.