Pakistan Accuses India Of 'Abruptly' Releasing Water Into Jhelum Without Prior Notice

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, tensions between India and Pakistan intensified.

On Saturday, Pakistan accused India of abruptly releasing water into the Jhelum River without notifying Pakistani authorities.

Photo Credit: PTI

A Dunya News report highlighted a sudden rise in water levels near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, attributing the surge to India.

The local administration declared a water emergency in Hattian Bala, approximately 40 km from Muzaffarabad along the Jhelum River, and issued warnings via mosque announcements. The report noted that these alerts sparked panic among residents living near the riverbanks.

According to the report, the water originated from Anantnag in Kashmir and flowed through the Chakothi region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistani authorities condemned the action, labelling it a "complete violation of international rules and water agreements".

These allegations followed India's decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam attack, which was perpetrated by Pakistan-based terrorists.

The Indian government announced that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan "credibly and irreversibly" ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

Facilitated by the World Bank and signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty has long been regarded as a rare example of sustained cooperation between India and Pakistan.

The agreement grants India exclusive control over the eastern rivers-Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej-while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers-Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab-despite their origins in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

The treaty has withstood wars and diplomatic crises, but the recent Pahalgam attack, which killed security personnel and civilians, appears to have fundamentally altered the relationship.

How Will It Impact Pakistan?

India's decision is likely to have significant repercussions for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus River system for its agriculture, a cornerstone of its economy.

Approximately 90% of Pakistan's irrigation depends on water from the Indus basin. Any disruption-or even the threat of disruption-to the western rivers' water supply could worsen water scarcity, reduce agricultural yields, and heighten domestic unrest, particularly in the already water-scarce provinces of Punjab and Sindh.

Under the treaty, India is obliged to provide Pakistan with timely hydrological data, including advance flood warnings, river discharge volumes, and glacier melt patterns, all essential for effective water management. With these obligations now paused, Pakistan faces increased risks of drought or flooding due to a lack of critical information about the Indus River and its tributaries.