Pakistan Urged to Rethink IWT, India Policy
News Desk
Islamabad: In response to the recent Pahalgam attack and growing tensions surrounding the potential suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a high-level roundtable was convened at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) to explore the legal, geopolitical, and humanitarian dimensions of the evolving crisis.
The discussion brought together experts in international law, hydrology, diplomacy, and media to assess India’s recent actions and recommend strategic responses for Pakistan.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, opened the session by strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack, a sentiment shared globally, including by Pakistan. He emphasized the intricate historical and geopolitical nature of the IWT and warned of the potential risks of escalating tensions in a nuclear-armed region.
Dr Hasan Abbas presented an overview of the region’s hydro-political history, referencing legal precedents, the Tennessee Valley Authority model, and longstanding violations of international norms since 1948. He argued that the IWT has disproportionately favored India and suggested that its suspension could create an opportunity for Pakistan to reassert its rights under international law.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/the-indus-water-treaty-equation/
Dr Serena Hussain, representing the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom, highlighted the significance of legal framing and media narratives. Drawing parallels with international conflicts such as Gaza, she underscored the need for Pakistan to regain control of the narrative, especially in the age of AI-generated imagery that influences global opinion.
Jamal Aziz, Executive Director of the Research Society of International Law (RSIL), advocated for pursuing legal remedies under the Vienna Convention and customary international law. He proposed seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice and engaging international water-dispute observers to highlight the environmental and humanitarian implications of India’s actions.
Dr. Mobeen Shah, former President of the Jammu and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and currently in exile in Turkey, called for renewed legal initiatives, including reopening the Kashmir issue at the United Nations. He stressed the need to secure the rightful ownership of western rivers for the people of Kashmir.
Dr Ashraf Wani, a senior Kashmiri journalist, questioned the credibility of India’s narrative, stating it was virtually impossible to reach Pahalgam without a deliberate security lapse. He denounced the blame placed on Pakistan as a false flag tactic and criticized biased media coverage. Wani emphasized the need for proactive, rather than reactive, policymaking—especially in the face of domestic legislative challenges like the controversial Waqf Bill.
Professor Sheikh Waleed Rasul from Ripah University advocated for the creation of a Lower Riparian Alliance, identifying unresolved issues in Kashmir as the core cause of recurring water disputes. He stressed that durable peace in the region hinges on resolving the Kashmir conflict.
Altaf Hussain Wani warned against India’s regional hegemonic ambitions, drawing parallels with the Israeli model of occupation. He highlighted the growing threats to the future of Kashmir and underscored the importance of international pressure in reversing unilateral actions.
The roundtable concluded with a consensus on the need for Pakistan to adopt a multi-pronged strategy—legal, strategic, and narrative-driven—in response to the escalating regional crisis. Participants called for a recalibration of national policy that reflects both ground realities and long-term national interests.
