Water expert Dr Azeem urges vigilance, diplomacy to safeguard IWT

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2026) Trans-boundary water issues and water governance expert Dr. Azeem Ali Shah on Sunday emphasized the need for Pakistan to remain vigilant and actively engaged diplomatically to safeguard its interests under the Indus Waters

Treaty (IWT).

Talking to APP, Dr. Shah clarified that India placed the treaty in abeyance in April 2025 but did not abrogate it, meaning the agreement still legally exists between the two countries. He pointed out that in August 2025, the Permanent Court of Arbitration gave its landmark judgment, rejecting India’s stance on design efficiency in hydro power projects. The court directed India to strictly adhere to design provisions for run-of-the-river projects as outlined in Article III, Annexure D of the treaty. “This effectively nullifies the precedent set by India in the case of the Baglihar Dam, where design efficiency was pursued in violation of treaty provisions,” he said.

Dr Shah expressed confidence that India was unlikely to openly violate the treaty by constructing large storage reservoirs on western rivers, which was prohibited. However, he warned that violations of design provisions in permissible projects remained a concern. He identified the Sawalkot Dam on the Chenab River as a key test case, noting that India has recently approved the project.

The expert stressed that Pakistan must utilize all diplomatic and political channels, alongside the mechanisms provided under the IWT, to highlight any violations at the international level. He also pointed to the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh, which was set to expire later this year, as another important development to watch.

“Whether this agreement is renewed or renegotiated will reflect India’s broader approach to water sharing with neighboring countries,” he noted.

Outlining the way forward, Dr. Shah advocated continued bilateral engagement with India under the treaty framework. He cited communication between the two countries during the floods in 2025 through diplomatic channels, although not via the Indus Water Commission, as an indication of a willingness to engage on hydrological matters.

He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that any attempt to stop the flow of western rivers, though technically unfeasible, would be considered an act of war.

“Pakistan should maintain its stance while actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to ensure the treaty is upheld,” he concluded.

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