Water expert urges Pakistan to raise IWT issue at global forums

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Apr, 2026) Senior Advisor on Water Governance at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and prominent water expert Naseer Memon has urged Pakistan to effectively raise the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) at international forums to highlight alleged violations and seek broader global support.

He described India’s actions regarding the treaty as “completely unacceptable,” terming them a violation of both the letter and spirit of the agreement.

Talking to APP on Tuesday, he stressed that Pakistan must ensure the protection of its water rights in accordance with internationally recognized principles of water sharing, particularly as a lower riparian state.

Memon emphasized that safeguarding water rights was vital for the country’s long-term water security and agricultural sustainability.

He noted that the government had already taken up the matter at the highest diplomatic levels. However, he suggested that Pakistan should formally demand strict adherence to lower riparian rights under the treaty framework.

The water expert also underscored the need to further strengthen diplomatic efforts, urging authorities to engage the international community more effectively and present Pakistan’s position on the issue. At the same time, he advised the government to focus on internal reforms by adopting modern strategies and techniques to improve water productivity and resource management.

"The Indus Waters Treaty remains a cornerstone of water-sharing arrangements between Pakistan and India, and any dispute surrounding it carries significant implications for regional stability and water security, Memon concluded.

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