Islamabad – On World Water Day, President Asif Ali Zardari issued a strong call for India to immediately restore full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a decades-ancient agreement governing the sharing of water resources in the Indus River basin. The appeal comes amid escalating tensions over water rights and concerns about potential “weaponization” of water, as described by the Pakistani President.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. The treaty designates three “Eastern Rivers” – the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej – to India, and three “Western Rivers” – the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum – to Pakistan. Although India has rights to limited utilize of the Western Rivers, Pakistan maintains primary control over their flow. Recent actions by India have raised concerns in Pakistan about a potential shift in this established framework, prompting the urgent plea from President Zardari.
Pakistan Condemns Unilateral Suspension
President Zardari strongly condemned what he characterized as India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty, stating that it represents a “deliberate weaponisation of shared water resources.” He specifically criticized India’s decision to disrupt the sharing of hydrological data, impede agreed-upon mechanisms, and undermine the spirit of the long-standing agreement. According to Zardari, these actions threaten food and economic security, jeopardize the livelihoods of millions dependent on the Indus River system, and set a dangerous precedent for the management of transboundary water resources globally.
The President’s statement, released on Sunday, March 22, 2026, highlighted the importance of the IWT as a cornerstone of regional stability. He emphasized that the treaty has governed the equitable sharing of the Indus River system for over six decades, and any deviation from its principles could have far-reaching consequences. Multiple reports confirm the timing of the statement coinciding with World Water Day, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Concerns Over Water Security and Gender Inequality
Beyond the immediate concerns about the IWT, President Zardari also addressed broader issues of water security and gender inequality in Pakistan. He noted that water insecurity disproportionately affects women and girls, who often bear the brunt of collecting water from distant or unreliable sources. This burden, he argued, limits their access to education, employment, and overall well-being.
“In many parts of Pakistan, households still rely on distant or unreliable water sources. Women and girls spend long hours each day collecting water, time that could otherwise be spent in school, at work or with their families,” Zardari stated. He further emphasized that the lack of safe water poses health risks and adds strain to household life, making access to clean water a matter of fairness and opportunity.
The President’s comments align with the theme of this year’s World Water Day, “Water and Gender,” which highlights the critical link between water access and gender equality. The government is also considering recognizing access to clean water as a basic human right, according to reports from the Associated Press of Pakistan.
X/Twitter embed:
President Asif Ali Zardari calls on India to immediately restore full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty in accordance with international obligations. https://t.co/2035448624033800637
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 22, 2026
What to Watch Next
The situation remains fluid, and diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Pakistan is likely to raise the issue at international forums, including the United Nations, seeking support for the full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty. The international community will be closely watching how India responds to President Zardari’s call and whether a resolution can be found to prevent further escalation of tensions over this vital water resource. The long-term stability of the region hinges on a cooperative approach to managing the Indus River system.
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