Pakistan preparing to challenge India's suspension of water treaty, minister says
Pakistan preparing to challenge India's suspension of water treaty, minister says
According to statements made by Pakistan's Water Resources Minister, the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The Key Points: India’s Suspension Notice (January 2023)
1. Due to Pakistan's alleged "intransigence" in resolving disputes over hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir, India sent Pakistan a notice seeking amendments to the treaty. India cited Pakistan’s refusal to abide by arbitration procedures, leading to a stalemate in dispute resolution.
2. Pakistan preparing to challenge India's suspension of water treaty, minister says
According to statements made by Pakistan's Water Resources Minister, Pakistan is preparing to challenge India's decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The Key Points: India’s Suspension Notice (January 2023)
India sent a notice to Pakistan, seeking modifications to the treaty due to Pakistan's alleged "intransigence" in resolving disputes over hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir.
India cited Pakistan’s refusal to abide by arbitration procedures, leading to a stalemate in dispute resolution.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan has rejected India’s move, calling it a violation of the treaty.
The country is reportedly considering legal options, including approaching the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) or other international forums.
3.Background of the Dispute
The IWT, which is mediated by the World Bank, gives India use rights to the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) and Pakistan gets use rights to the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum). Pakistan claims that Indian hydropower projects like Ratle and Kishanganga violate the treaty, which has led to recent disputes.
According to a minister, Pakistan is preparing to challenge India's suspension of the water treaty. Pakistan is reportedly preparing to challenge India's decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), according to statements by Pakistan’s Water Resources Minister.
The Key Points: Notice of Suspension from India (January 2023) India sent a notice to Pakistan, seeking modifications to the treaty due to Pakistan's alleged "intransigence" in resolving disputes over hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir.
India cited Pakistan’s refusal to abide by arbitration procedures, leading to a stalemate in dispute resolution.
4.Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan has rejected India’s move, calling it a violation of the treaty.
The country is reportedly considering legal options, including approaching the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) or other international forums.
Background of the Dispute
The IWT, brokered by the World Bank, allocates the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan, with limited usage rights for India.
Pakistan claims that Indian hydropower projects like Ratle and Kishanganga violate the treaty, which has led to recent disputes. Possibility of Expansion If negotiations fail, Pakistan may seek international mediation, while India insists on bilateral resolution.
The treaty has survived past tensions (including wars), but recent geopolitical strains (Kashmir conflict, terrorism disputes) have heightened tensions.
Next Steps:
Pakistan may request assistance from the World Bank or ICA in writing. India maintains its right to modify the treaty if Pakistan does not cooperate in dispute resolution.
Pakistan is, in fact, getting ready to challenge India's recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which is a crucial water-sharing agreement between the two countries. The decision follows heightened tensions after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India has linked to Pakistan—a claim Islamabad denies
Key Developments:
Legal Challenges Planned
Pakistan is exploring multiple legal avenues, including:
Appealing to the World Bank (the treaty's facilitator).
submitting a complaint to the Permanent Court of Arbitration or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that India violated the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties Raising the issue at the UN Security Council as a diplomatic measure
Pakistan’s Stance
Islamabad argues that the treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended, as it lacks an exit clause
Pakistan warns that any attempt by India to divert or block water would be considered an "act of war"
India’s Justification
India suspended the treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, demanding Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" end support for cross-border terrorism before resuming cooperation
Officials claim the treaty no longer fits modern needs due to climate change, population growth, and energy demands
Immediate & Long-Term Impacts
In the short term, India can now stop sharing hydrological data, stop inspecting its dams, and change when it releases water, which could have an impact on Pakistan's agriculture. Long-term: India may accelerate dam projects on the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers, though experts say fully stopping water flow is technically unfeasible for now.
Consequences for the Region Pakistan’s agriculture (80% reliant on Indus water) and hydropower face severe risks, with farmers fearing floods or droughts 35.
The suspension escalates already strained ties, with both nations halting trade, closing airspace, and downgrading diplomatic relations.
Conclusion
The treaty, which survived three wars, is now at a breaking point. India's move indicates a shift toward using water as geopolitical pressure, while Pakistan seeks international intervention. Legal and diplomatic efforts will be tested in the coming months to see if they can reactivate the agreement, or if the region will face a prolonged water crisis as hostilities escalate.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Md.Abdur Rouf and writers in Earth and other communities.
US administration reverses course; moves to restore cancelled student visas
The US government is reversing course and attempting to reinstate cancelled student visas. To the best of my knowledge, the administration of the United States has not made any recent announcements regarding a widespread cancellation of student visas. However, visa policies can change, so it's important to check official sources like the United States for the most recent information. Department of State (DOS) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
By Md.Abdur Rouf9 months ago in Earth
Trump’s Posturing Over Greenland Has Changed the Transatlantic Alliance Forever
In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland has sent shockwaves through Europe, prompting officials to warn that the transatlantic alliance may never return to its previous equilibrium. What began as heated discussions over Arctic strategy and territorial influence quickly escalated into a diplomatic standoff that tested the foundations of NATO, revealing tensions that European leaders say could have long-term consequences.
By Muhammad Hassan2 days ago in Earth
Antarctic Penguin Breeding Is Heating Up Sooner — and That’s a Big Problem
Scientists have discovered that penguins in Antarctica are starting their breeding season earlier than ever before — a change that might sound harmless but is actually raising alarms among researchers. As temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere rise and sea ice patterns shift, these iconic birds are facing challenges that could ripple through the entire Antarctic ecosystem. The finding, based on decades of field observations, highlights how climate change is not just melting glaciers or warming oceans — it is directly affecting wildlife behaviors in ways that could have long-term consequences. For communities of scientists, conservationists, and even eco-tourists who value Antarctica’s unique wildlife, the implications are serious. Why Penguin Breeding Is Happening Sooner For decades, researchers have tracked the Adélie and emperor penguin populations across Antarctica. By comparing breeding dates with historical data, they noticed a clear trend: penguins are laying eggs and hatching chicks earlier than in previous decades. Dr. Samantha Hughes, a marine biologist studying Antarctic ecosystems, explained: “Penguins are highly sensitive to environmental cues. Warmer temperatures and earlier ice melt mean that the conditions they rely on for breeding are coming sooner, so they adjust their reproductive cycles.” At first glance, this might seem like an adaptive behavior. After all, responding to environmental changes is part of survival. But scientists warn that earlier breeding can create new problems, particularly when it comes to food availability and weather patterns. The Challenges of Earlier Breeding Penguins depend on a delicate balance between breeding timing, ice coverage, and food supply. Fish and krill, which are the primary food sources for chicks, follow their own seasonal patterns. If penguins hatch too early, they may face a mismatch between the peak food supply and the period when chicks need it most. This phenomenon, known as phenological mismatch, can have serious consequences: Chick starvation: Chicks may hatch before food sources are abundant enough to sustain them. Increased predation: Younger, weaker chicks are more vulnerable to predators. Colony instability: Uneven survival rates can disrupt social structures and breeding success within colonies. Dr. Hughes adds: “Even a difference of a few weeks in hatching times can affect survival rates. In an environment as extreme as Antarctica, timing is everything.” Climate Change Is the Driving Force Scientists point to rising temperatures, changing sea ice patterns, and shifting winds as the main factors behind earlier breeding. Over the past 50 years, Antarctic regions have warmed at rates faster than the global average, leading to earlier ice melt in spring. Sea ice is critical because it provides stable platforms for penguins to nest and raise their chicks. When ice melts too early, penguins may be forced to nest in less secure locations, increasing the risk of flooding and chick loss. Additionally, the warming waters affect the abundance of krill, tiny crustaceans that are the foundation of the Antarctic food web. Less krill means less food for penguins, further exacerbating the effects of early breeding. Why This Matters Beyond Penguins Penguins are often seen as indicator species, meaning that changes in their populations can signal broader environmental shifts. If penguin breeding and survival are disrupted, it could indicate that the entire Antarctic ecosystem is under stress, including seals, seabirds, and even fish populations that humans rely on. Communities involved in Antarctic research are particularly concerned because this disruption can affect long-term conservation strategies. Protecting species like penguins isn’t just about preserving wildlife; it’s about maintaining ecosystem health in a region that plays a critical role in regulating global climate. Observing the Changes Researchers have been using a combination of satellite imaging, on-the-ground observation, and drones to monitor penguin colonies. These methods allow scientists to track: Egg-laying dates Chick hatching and growth Colony sizes and survival rates Data collected over decades show a clear pattern: in some regions, penguins are breeding up to two weeks earlier than 50 years ago. While that might seem minor, in the fragile Antarctic environment, even small changes can have cascading effects. What Can Be Done Addressing this problem requires both local and global action. On a local level, conservationists are working to protect key breeding grounds and monitor populations for signs of stress. International cooperation is crucial, because Antarctica is governed by treaties that involve multiple countries. On a broader scale, tackling the root cause — climate change — is essential. Scientists emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow warming trends and protect fragile ecosystems. As Dr. Hughes notes: “If we don’t address climate change, these changes aren’t just a temporary anomaly. They could lead to permanent shifts in penguin populations and Antarctic ecosystems.” The Human Connection This issue isn’t just about penguins. Communities of researchers, scientists, and environmental advocates rely on a stable Antarctic ecosystem for studies that inform global climate policy. Eco-tourism communities also depend on healthy penguin populations for responsible tourism, which can be a source of income and education. In other words, the timing of penguin breeding may seem like a small, isolated detail, but it has broader implications for science, conservation, and global awareness. Looking Ahead The discovery that Antarctic penguins are breeding earlier is a wake-up call. It highlights how climate change can subtly, yet profoundly, alter animal behavior. Scientists, conservationists, and policymakers must collaborate to understand these changes and implement strategies to mitigate their impact. For communities around the world who care about wildlife, this is a reminder that even remote ecosystems are interconnected with human actions. Protecting penguins and their habitats isn’t just about saving a species — it’s about protecting the health of the planet and our shared future.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
Comments (1)
It is written about true topics. If you read it, you will learn a lot and I will benefit.