India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack, Modi govt move to impact Islamabad badly due to..

India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed 26 lives – mainly tourists. This move was announced by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) just a day after the attack. The treaty, signed in 1960 with the help of the World Bank, has been one of the longest-standing water-sharing agreements in the world. It divides the six rivers of the Indus River system between the two countries. India controls the eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Although India can use the western rivers for limited purposes like generating electricity, it cannot stop or reduce the flow.

The Indus Waters Treaty has survived wars and serious tensions between the two nations, showing how even hostile countries can cooperate when it comes to natural resources. However, this recent suspension marks a serious shift in India’s approach and is expected to have a deep impact on Pakistan. Since nearly 80% of Pakistan’s water supply comes from the Indus River system, any change in the flow could lead to major water shortages. This is especially dangerous for a country where agriculture plays a major role in the economy and daily life.

Farming in Pakistan depends heavily on river water, especially for crops like wheat, rice, and cotton. Without enough water, there is a strong risk of crop failure, which could lead to food shortages and economic stress for farmers. Since agriculture makes up about 20% of the country’s GDP and gives work to nearly 40% of the population, any damage to this sector could seriously harm the overall economy, raise unemployment, and increase poverty.

In addition, Pakistan generates a lot of its electricity through water-powered dams like Tarbela and Mangla. If water flow is reduced, the country may face more power shortages, which could affect industries, businesses, and daily life.

Food prices may rise due to poor harvests, and Pakistan might have to import more food, putting more pressure on its already weak economy. Environmental experts have also warned that reduced water levels in the Indus River system could damage ecosystems and hurt both wildlife and the people who depend on the river for their livelihood. In short, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is not just a diplomatic move, it could moreover create serious problems for Pakistan’s water security, farming, economy, electricity supply, and environment.

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