Indus water treaty and its effect on Pakistan
After the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on 22 April 2025, the Indian government has taken very strict steps. A cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which strict decisions were taken against the neighboring country Pakistan. In this meeting, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, due to which the water received by Pakistan through rivers has stopped. This water agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in the year 1960. Under this agreement, the water of the Indus River and its tributaries was divided. The Modi government had earlier also demanded changes in this treaty, but on April 23, 2025, it has been completely suspended.
Let us tell you that when this treaty was signed, the World Bank was the mediator in it. This treaty was signed in Karachi on 19 September 1960 by former Prime Minister of India Late Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Late Ayub Khan. This treaty determined how the waters of the six rivers of the Indus river system would be shared between India and Pakistan. Under this agreement, control of the three eastern rivers Beas, Ravi and Sutlej was given to India, and control of the three western rivers Indus, Chenab and Jhelum was given to Pakistan. All the rivers under Pakistan’s control flow through India. According to the treaty, India is allowed to use the waters of the rivers only for irrigation, transportation and power generation. And 80% of the water went to Pakistan, while the remaining 20% ​​was left for India’s use. The Indian government has now not only stopped the Indus water supply, but has also closed the Attari-Wagah border checkpost and also stopped the SAARC visa. Pakistani citizens have been ordered to leave India within 48 hours and the Pakistani High Commission has also been instructed to close.
Indus water treaty and its effect on Pakistan
Effect on Pakistan
Due to the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the 39 billion cubic meters of water that Pakistan was getting has now stopped. This is likely to cause a huge shortage of water in Pakistan. Since 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural land depends on the water of the Indus River, there is a possibility of damage to farmers and crops. Industries and power generation related to the Indus River will also be affected, which may increase the water crisis in Pakistan. People there also get drinking water from the water of the Indus River, so this may also be affected.
Pakistan Reaction?
The Pakistan government has reacted strongly to these decisions of the Modi government. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that a meeting of the National Security Committee chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will be held on 24 April 2025, in which a response to this move of India will be prepared. Relations between India and Pakistan are likely to deteriorate further and tensions may increase.