The Government of Pakistan expresses grave concern over the abrupt and unilateral manipulation of the Chenab River flows by Indian authorities. These variations, recorded between December 9 and 18, 2025, constitute a clear violation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and pose a direct threat to Pakistan’s food security and regional stability.
Have witnessed abrupt variation in Chenab river since 7th Dec, unilateral release of water without prior information by India being done. Have sought clarification from India, Pakistan reiterates that IWT is a binding international agreement, says @ForeignOfficePk spox in his… pic.twitter.com/QEqNoj1YLD
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) December 18, 2025
Data recorded at the Marala Headworks indicates extreme volatility in water inflows. On December 11, inflows dropped to 3,700 cusecs with zero outflow, and plummeted further to a mere 1,800 cusecs by December 16. These fluctuations coincide with the critical first watering period for the newly sown wheat crop in Punjab.
The “run-of-the-river” hydropower projects operated by India upstream are being utilized to hold and flush water without prior notification. This manipulation has left farmers in districts such as Khanewal and central Punjab without irrigation, forcing them to rely on expensive alternative sources or risk total crop failure.
The Pakistan Indus Water Commissioner has issued a formal communication to his Indian counterpart seeking immediate clarification. Pakistan maintains that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement that remains in full effect. Any attempt by New Delhi to put the treaty in “abeyance” following the Pahalgam incident is a violation of international law.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated: “Any manipulation of river flow by India at this critical juncture of our agricultural cycle directly threatens the livelihoods and economic security of our citizens. We call upon India to refrain from these unilateral actions and fulfill its obligations in letter and spirit.”
Pakistan urges the international community to take notice of India’s continued disregard for bilateral treaties and international norms. The manipulation of shared water resources is being used as a tool of coercion, which undermines the principles of good neighborliness and poses a serious threat to regional peace.
Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of water disputes through the mechanisms provided in the IWT but will not compromise on the existential water rights of its people.
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