New York — Pakistan has formally urged the United Nations Security Council to address India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning of serious security, environmental, and humanitarian risks affecting millions. The appeal highlights growing concerns over regional stability and water security in South Asia.
Diplomatic outreach calls for treaty restoration
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar sent a letter to Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, whose country currently presides over the Council. Pakistan’s UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad delivered the letter at UN Headquarters, urging immediate attention to what Islamabad described as India’s “illegal” decision.
In the letter, Pakistan called on the Council to press India to fully restore the treaty, resume data-sharing, and uphold its international obligations. Furthermore, officials warned against using water resources as a tool of coercion. Pakistan also raised concerns about what it described as India’s ongoing allegations, which it rejected as baseless amid its own efforts to support peace initiatives.
Regional tensions and treaty significance highlighted
Meanwhile, Pakistan emphasized that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains central to instability in the region. Officials reiterated the need for a peaceful resolution in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries and has historically withstood periods of conflict. However, India placed the agreement in abeyance in April 2025 following heightened tensions after a militant attack in the region, an allegation Pakistan denied.
Consequently, Pakistan warned that continued disruption of the treaty could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, livelihoods, and regional peace.
