India’s Treaty Suspension Deepens Pakistan’s Water Woes Amid Early Kharif Season
India suspends Indus Waters Treaty post-Pahalgam attack, causing a 21% water shortage in Pakistan during Kharif season due to reduced Chenab River flow.
Pakistan Faces Severe 21% Water Shortage in Early Kharif Season After India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Post Pahalgam Attack
India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which now leaves Pakistan thirsty, in light of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. As such, then, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) intimated this morning that India-draconian measures would leave Pakistan facing at least a 21% water shortage during the early Kharif season. The major causes of this were drastic reductions in inflows into the Chenab River as a result of India’s retaliatory measures. The terrorists killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, prompting India to enact punitive steps, including suspending the 1960 treaty that divides water between the two countries.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, was about the distribution of six rivers-corridors between India and Pakistan and was critical for sustaining nearly 80% of agriculture in Pakistan. By suspending the treaty, India basically cut off the water flow from the Chenab River to Pakistan as agreed on grounds of national security and Pakistan’s alleged sponsorship of terrorism in the subcontinent. The case was further compounded by India closing the gates of the Baglihar and Salal Dams, drastically reducing water levels in the Chenab River at Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir and considerably reducing flows into lower reaches of Pakistan.
Read more: Kulgam Youth Accused of Helping Terrorists Drowns During Escape Attempt
That meant that the IRSA Advisory Committee got almost immediately on with deliberations on the expected water availability during the remainder of the Kharif season, which extended from May to September 2025. The committee was extremely concerned about the sudden decline in water inflows at Marala and, officially, forecasted a 21% shortage of early Kharif. If the flows from the Chenab return to normal, this figure may worsen. As indicated by the IRSA, the resources are to be kept under continuous review, and updates can be expected if present conditions remain static or worsen.
In Pakistan, timeliness in sowing important Kharif crops such as rice, sugarcane, cotton, and maize would be at risk from timely sowing. The early Kharif period is of great importance to agricultural productivity. Any disruption in the supply of water could have major effects on yields and food security. The IRSA’s statement warns that this essential growing season may cause yet more problems for Pakistan’s agricultural sector should Chenab River flows stabilize.
India’s measures serve as part of its broader strategy to exert diplomatic and economic pressure on Pakistan. Besides suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India: cut off trade ties, locked down its Attari-Wagah land border, and expelled all its military advisors; Pakistani-flagged vessels are also barred from Indian ports. Understandably, this has further strained bilateral ties.
Regional stability is under threat not just from increased tensions but also from Pakistan’s increasing water insecurity. While Pakistan has sought international mediation to restore the water-sharing agreement, India stands firm in its belief that, holding Pakistan accountable for cross-border terrorism, one cannot approach the weather. Diplomatic thaw, if any, seems too far away in time for any immediate downturn in the water crisis, which, in turn, would seriously affect millions of Pakistani farmers and worsen already tense Indo-Pak relations.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
