'Weaponisation of water': Pak seeks Canada's help to revive Indus Waters Treaty with India

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called on Canada to assist in reviving the Indus Waters Treaty with India during a joint press conference held in Islamabad on Monday. Dar emphasized that India had introduced a new dimension into an already tense security environment by placing the 1960 agreement in abeyance. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, regulates the distribution of water among the six rivers of the Indus basin, assigning the eastern rivers to India and the western ones primarily to Pakistan. India suspended the treaty after a Pakistan-linked terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously stated that “blood and water cannot flow together,” indicating that the treaty would stay suspended until Pakistan provides credible evidence of action against terrorist organizations based in its territory. The dispute has intensified with Pakistan’s opposition leader, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, warning India over the implications of the Indus Waters Treaty. He accused New Delhi of exploiting the river system as a “weapon.” Describing the Indus as Pakistan’s “lifeline,” Bhutto-Zardari stressed that the people living along the rivers desire “peace with dignity” rather than “submission.” He urged Pakistan to make a clear stance toward India, stating that the Indus should not be used as a “pressure point” or “bargaining chip.” “Any attempt to transform this lifeline into a noose must be regarded as a threat to the survival of our state,” he asserted. Bhutto-Zardari further noted that India had failed to honor its commitments and that using water resources as a tool of coercion posed dangers. “We want peace, but peace with dignity. We want dialogue, but dialogue under law. We want coexistence, but not submission,” he concluded, emphasizing Pakistan’s resolve to protect its water rights, people, treaty, sovereignty, and future. The Indian government maintains that its decision to suspend the treaty remains valid due to Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism. This stance reflects a broader geopolitical tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, whose relationship has been strained by multiple issues beyond just water disputes. The Indus Waters Treaty, once hailed as a model of diplomatic resolution, has become a flashpoint amid rising mistrust and unresolved historical grievances. Both nations have repeatedly cited each other’s actions as justification for their positions, leading to a stalemate that has persisted for years. Canada’s involvement in the discussion marks a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict. While the country has historically maintained a neutral stance in South Asian affairs, its recent engagement with both India and Pakistan suggests a growing interest in mediating regional disputes. However, the effectiveness of such mediation depends on the willingness of both sides to engage constructively. Canada’s foreign minister, Anita Anand, participated in the joint press conference alongside Dar, signaling a possible commitment to facilitating dialogue. Yet, the success of any intervention hinges on the political will of India and Pakistan to prioritize cooperation over confrontation. International observers note that the Indus Waters Treaty remains one of the few legal frameworks governing bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. Its suspension has created uncertainty for millions who depend on the river systems for agriculture, industry, and daily sustenance. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity in the region, the stakes of resolving the dispute have grown even higher. Environmental experts warn that prolonged tensions could lead to resource depletion and increased social unrest, particularly in areas reliant on shared water resources. The coming months will likely see continued efforts by both governments to assert their positions while seeking external support. Whether Canada can play a meaningful role in bridging the divide remains to be seen. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing negotiations and the evolving strategies of both nations as they navigate the complex terrain of diplomacy, security, and environmental sustainability.