Pakistani water resource experts have called on their federal government to raise the issue of India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with the United States. This appeal follows the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, brokered with U.S. assistance. The experts now seek similar intervention from the U.S. regarding the water dispute.
Javed Latif, a former member of Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority, stated that the Pakistani government should immediately engage with U.S. authorities to ensure India revokes its suspension of the treaty, announced on April 24.
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty governs the distribution of water from six rivers. Under the agreement, India uses water from the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Syed Jamaat Ali Shah, former Indus Water Commissioner of Pakistan, emphasized that U.S. involvement should extend beyond ceasefire efforts. He believes now is the right time for Pakistan to raise the issue and push for broader conflict resolution, including matters related to Kashmir. He also recommended that Pakistan seek guarantees from the U.S. to prevent future treaty violations by India.
Reuters, citing an Indian government source, reported that despite the ceasefire agreement, the suspension of the water-sharing pact remains in effect. However, a senior official from Pakistan’s Punjab province noted that all rivers are currently flowing normally and without obstruction.
He mentioned that on May 5, India briefly reduced water flow in the Chenab River to fill its dams, lowering the flow to 3,100 cusecs. The flow resumed the following day. He added that India typically shares water data with Pakistan only during monsoons or emergencies, and they are currently not sharing such information.
The official expressed hope that India would resume data sharing during the upcoming monsoon season.