The UN has declared India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty illegal, fully supporting Pakistan’s position. UN experts warned that disrupting water flows violates international law and threatens the rights of millions of Pakistanis.
In a detailed report, the UN emphasized that the treaty is a bilateral agreement. No country can suspend or terminate it unilaterally. The experts confirmed that Pakistan’s stance is legally correct under international law.
The report highlighted that interference in water flows affects fundamental rights, including access to water, food, employment, health, environment, and development. UN experts stressed that water cannot be used as a political or economic tool.
India’s claims linking the suspension to alleged “cross-border terrorism” were rejected. The UN stated that India failed to provide credible evidence, and such allegations are irrelevant to the treaty. Experts urged India to implement the agreement in good faith and respect Pakistan’s legal and humanitarian rights.
Civil Notice to India
UN experts also sent a civil notice to the Modi government, challenging India’s misleading claims. The notice included a five-point questionnaire seeking evidence and asking whether India would compensate for loss of life caused by treaty violations. India did not respond within the 60-day period, prompting the experts to issue their report.
Independent Assessment
Indus Water Commissioner Mehr Ali Shah clarified that the report is independent and was not issued by Pakistan. He described India’s suspension of the treaty as a “false flag operation.” Shah emphasized that the treaty cannot be changed unilaterally under any circumstances.
Flow Violations in Jhelum and Chenab Rivers
Shah reported that India altered water flows in May and December, reducing flows from 4,000–5,000 cusecs to 870–1,000 cusecs. These reductions pose serious risks to agriculture, livelihoods, and water security in Pakistan.
In other related news also read Pakistan Launches Policy to Revive Closed Units and Promote Industry
Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Legal Win
Officials described the UN report as a major diplomatic and legal victory for Pakistan. The confirmation by UN experts strengthens Pakistan’s international position and calls for India to restore full compliance with the treaty, ensuring regional peace.
