Regarded as one of the most successful water-sharing treaties in the world, IWT has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability between the two nations for decades. However, India's consistent violations of this treaty have raised significant concerns for Pakistan. This article sheds light on India's violation of the treaty from Pakistan's perspective.

Water resources have always been crucial for economic development, agriculture, and livelihoods. In South Asia, where water scarcity is a pressing concern, managing and allocating water resources often becomes a contentious issue. In the case of India and Pakistan, the shared Indus River system has played a significant role in shaping bilateral relations.
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, is a pivotal agreement governing the distribution and utilization of water resources between India and Pakistan. Regarded as one of the most successful water-sharing treaties in the world, IWT has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability between the two nations for decades. However, India's consistent violations of this treaty have raised significant concerns for Pakistan. This article sheds light on India's violation of the treaty from Pakistan's perspective.
To understand the gravity of the situation, we must consider the historical context in which the IWT was conceived. The treaty was formulated in response to the water disputes between India and Pakistan after the partition in 1947. The agreement allocated the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan, with certain usage rights for both countries. The treaty aimed to ensure an equitable distribution of water resources, safeguarding the interests of both nations. 
Unfortunately, India's actions in recent years have cast doubt on its commitment to the IWT. One of the primary concerns from Pakistan's perspective is the construction of dams and hydroelectric projects by India on the western rivers, which violates the treaty's provisions. The construction of the Kishanganga Dam on the Neelum River (a tributary of the Jhelum) and the Ratle Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River are glaring examples of India's disregard for the treaty.

Unfortunately, India's actions in recent years have cast doubt on its commitment to the IWT. One of the primary concerns from Pakistan's perspective is the construction of dams and hydroelectric projects by India on the western rivers, which violates the treaty's provisions.

By building these dams, India gains control over the river flow, enabling it to manipulate water distribution downstream. This manipulation disrupts the natural flow of water and severely affects Pakistan's water availability, especially during critical crop seasons. The agricultural sector, which heavily relies on irrigation, faces severe consequences due to water scarcity caused by these violations. The violation of the treaty noy only undermines Pakistan’s agricultureral productivity, but also jeopardizes the livehoods of millions of people dependent on farming. India's plan to divert river waters through interlinking projects, such as the proposed river-linking project in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, have further heightened tensions. These initiatives aim to transfer water from surplus basins to water-deficit regions within India, potentially impacting the natural flow of rivers into Pakistan. Such actions violate the treaty and risk disrupting the fragile ecological balance of the entire region.
Apart from the direct implications on water availability, India's construction of dams and hydroelectric projects also has adverse environmental consequences. The alteration of river flows and water diversion negatively impact the river ecosystems, including the flora and fauna dependent on these water bodies. Additionally, the reduced water flow downstream affects the wetlands and marshes, which play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance in the region.
The reduced water flow affects the region's ecological balance, leading to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, the quality of water reaching Pakistan is compromised, exacerbating health concerns for the population.
The impact of climate change and glacial melting in the Himalayas poses an additional challenge to the Indus River system. The accelerated melting of glaciers and inconsistent monsoon patterns can potentially reduce water availability in the long term. These changes require collaborative efforts between India and Pakistan to sustainably adapt and manage water resources. However, India's unilateral decisions and lack of cooperation exacerbate the challenges faced by both nations.
Furthermore, the construction of these projects often involves deforestation, land excavation, and soil erosion, leading to increased vulnerability to natural disasters and a decline in water quality.

The violation of the treaty noy only undermines Pakistan’s agricultureral productivity, but also jeopardizes the livehoods of millions of people dependent on farming. 

The IWT mandates that India must notify and share data with Pakistan regarding its water-related projects, including dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric plants; however, India has consistently failed to fulfill this obligation. The lack of timely information hampers Pakistan's ability to effectively plan and manage its water resources, affecting its agricultural practices and water management strategies.
India has intermittently exercised its power to disrupt water flow to Pakistan as a form of diplomatic pressure. Within the IWT framework, India is permitted to control and regulate the Western Rivers to an extent, particularly for non-consumptive uses such as hydroelectric power generation. By manipulating water releases from dams, particularly during critical seasons like the planting and harvesting crops, India can directly impact Pakistan's agriculture, resulting in potential economic loss and food insecurity.
The absence of data sharing creates a climate of mistrust and heightens tensions between the two nations. Pakistan is left in the dark regarding India's water-related activities, making it difficult to assess and mitigate the potential risks and challenges arising from these projects.
Pakistan has consistently voiced its concerns regarding India's violation of the IWT. Diplomatic efforts have been made to resolve these issues through dialogue and negotiation. The Permanent Indus Commission, established under the treaty, serves as a platform for both countries to discuss matters related to the treaty's implementation. However, the effectiveness of this commission has been undermined due to India's unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and resolve the issues at hand.
The violation of the IWT undermines Pakistan's water security and threatens its agricultural productivity. As a predominantly agrarian economy, Pakistan heavily relies on the Indus River system for irrigation. Any disruption to the water flow has severe consequences for food production and livelihood, potentially leading to socioeconomic instability and food shortages.
India's treaty violations exacerbate the already strained relationship between the two nations. Water-related disputes can potentially escalate into more significant conflicts, threatening regional stability. The unresolved water issues perpetuate mistrust, hinder cooperation, and divert resources and attention from more pressing socioeconomic challenges.
Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns over India's violations of the IWT. Bilateral mechanisms, such as the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), were established to resolve disputes and facilitate dialogue between countries. However, these platforms have faced significant challenges due to India's refusal to engage in meaningful discussions and resolve the issues.
Pakistan has sought third-party mediation, such as involving the World Bank, to address the disputes arising from the treaty violations. These efforts aim to bring India back to the negotiating table and ensure that the treaty's provisions are upheld in letter and spirit.
India's persistent violations of the IWT pose severe challenges to Pakistan's water security, agricultural sustainability, and the overall ecological balance of the region. By constructing dams and hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, India disrupts the natural flow of water, leading to water scarcity and environmental degradation in Pakistan.
India's gross violations of the IWT severely threatens Pakistan's water security, agricultural sustainability, and environmental well-being. The unauthorized construction of dams, water diversion, and failure to share data disrupt the natural flow of water and undermine the trust and cooperation essential for maintaining peaceful relations between the two nations.
The international community must take note of India's violations and exert pressure on it to comply with the provisions of the IWT. Resolving disputes requires sincere dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to upholding the principles of equitable water sharing. Preserving the treaty is crucial for Pakistan's water security and fostering regional stability and cooperation in South Asia.
The Indus Water Commission, established under the treaty, is a crucial platform for cooperation. Strengthening the commission's role and providing it with the necessary resources and authority will facilitate effective monitoring, dispute resolution, and the equitable sharing of water resources between the two countries.
Pakistan has repeatedly voiced its concerns because of the delays in dispute resolution mechanisms and the absence of effective mechanisms to resolve conflicts arising from the treaty. India's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue and address Pakistan's concerns exacerbates the situation, increasing tensions between the two nations.

The writer is a freelance journalist.
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