Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman on Monday criticized India for weaponizing water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning it can worsen bilateral ties between the neighboring nations.
According to Indian media, Delhi’s environment ministry has approved the Dulhasti State-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in occupied Kashmir. The 260MW project follows an earlier approval of the 1,856MW Sawalkot hydroelectric project on the same river. Reports noted that Delhi was proceeding with these projects in light of the Indus Waters Treaty being in “abeyance.”
India held the Treaty in abeyance in April after an attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam killed 26 tourists. Delhi swiftly blamed Islamabad without any evidence, with its action prompting Pakistan to warn that any attempt to divert its share of water under the treaty would be deemed an “act of war.” The Indus Waters Treaty has no provision for unilateral suspension, as verified by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
“In flagrant violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India has just given approval to the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on Chenab River in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” wrote Rehman on X. “As per the IWT, which cannot be unilaterally revoked, as recent U.N. rapporteurs have confirmed, Pakistan has control over the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers fall under India’s control,” she continued.
“Following the illegal suspension of the treaty, India has decided to fast-track several disputed hydroelectric projects in the Indus Basin. These projects include Sawalkot, Ratle, Bursar, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai-1 and 2. Dulhasti Stage-II is considered part of this strategy,” she said.
“This weaponization of water is neither sane nor acceptable in a region on the frontlines of climate change and environmental stress. It will inflame tensions in a bilateral relationship already bristling with hostility and distrust,” she added.