Information minister says Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally and remains binding under international law
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on Tuesday, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar declaring that the country’s 240 million people have an “inalienable right” to the waters of the Indus River system.
Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad on the legal and constitutional framework of the treaty, Tarar described the 1960 agreement as a cornerstone of regional peace and stability. He said the Indus River was not merely a water resource but the foundation of Pakistan’s history, identity and economic survival.
“The Indus has given life to Pakistan,” Tarar said, adding that the river system has sustained civilizations for thousands of years, linking communities from Gilgit-Baltistan to the plains of Punjab and Sindh.
Treaty described as binding international commitment
Tarar stressed that the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered under the auspices of the World Bank, has survived wars, political tensions and regional crises for more than six decades. He said its endurance demonstrates the importance of dialogue, cooperation and adherence to international agreements.
The minister argued that the treaty embodies the principle of good faith in international law and cannot be amended, suspended or revoked through unilateral action. He maintained that any revisions require the mutual consent of both Pakistan and India.
Pakistan rejects unilateral suspension claims
Addressing recent tensions, Tarar criticized India’s decision to place its treaty obligations in abeyance following the 2025 Pahalgam attack, allegations that Pakistan has consistently denied while calling for an independent investigation.
He said Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership had unanimously affirmed the country’s water rights under the treaty. Furthermore, he argued that attempts to suspend the agreement unilaterally lacked legal, moral and diplomatic legitimacy.
Tarar concluded that the treaty remains a binding international commitment and emphasized that lasting regional stability depends on respecting established agreements and resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue.
