Two secrets of Indus Water Treaty which has left Pakistan furious, these are….

New Delhi: Bankrupt Pakistan is in a state of panic after India indefinitely suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. India’s Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil issued a stern statement and announced that India would ensure not a single drop of the Indus River’s water reaches Pakistan. It is important to note that there are two key aspects behind this move that are bound to rob Pakistan of its sleep. It was in the year 1960 when India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty, with the World Bank mediating the agreement. Under this treaty, the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries were divided between the two countries. The eastern rivers — Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej — with a flow of 41 billion cubic meters, were allocated to India.

Meanwhile, control over the western rivers — Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum — with a flow of 99 billion cubic meters, was given to Pakistan. As per the agreement, India received about 30 percent of the total waters of the Indus River system within its territory, while Pakistan received 70 percent. The treaty also allowed both countries limited use of each other’s rivers, such as for small hydroelectric projects. Although India has consistently honored the treaty, in recent years, cross-border terrorism has raised serious questions about its relevance.

River Management Without Prior Notification

India was required to notify Pakistan at least six months in advance before initiating any project on the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) under the treaty. Pakistan often raised objections over minor issues, causing delays in India’s projects. After the suspension of the treaty, India is no longer obligated to provide any such notification.

Impact: India can now swiftly implement water storage, dam construction, and hydroelectric projects using new technologies without any obstacles. According to government sources, this suspension gives India a strategic advantage. India can now utilize the water according to its own needs.

Threat to Pakistan: Pakistan will no longer receive information about India’s projects, meaning it will lose control over its dependence on water flow. This could have a serious impact on Pakistan’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Psychological and Strategic Pressure

The suspension of the treaty has given a massive setback to Pakistan not only psychologically but strategically as well. India can now control the flow of water at its discretion, whether to stop it or release it.

Impact: Government sources have stated that Pakistan used to blame India for droughts and floods. Now, due to glacier melting and population growth, they already have less water. India can release or stop water at will, which will affect their crop cycles. Their farmers will be distressed.

Threat to Pakistan: About 80 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on the Indus Basin, which accounts for 20 percent of its GDP and employs 40% of its workforce. Water shortages will impact the production of crops like wheat, rice, and cotton, leading to crises in food security, inflation, and livelihoods. Moreover, reduced hydroelectric generation from dams like Tarbela and Mangla could further deepen Pakistan’s energy crisis.

News