Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that any attempt to deprive Pakistan of its water rights, as per the Indus Water Treaty 1960, would have profound consequences for regional peace and security.
While addressing the seminar titled, “The Indus Waters Treaty: South Asian Security at the Crossroads” Dar asserted that the treaty remained valid, binding, operational despite India placing it in abeyance in April 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 delivered a keynote address via a recorded video message at the seminar on “The Indus Waters Treaty: South Asian Security at the Crossroads,” organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington… pic.twitter.com/kKP8a4NzY9
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 28, 2026
Dar stressed that unilateral suspension of the treaty is not permissible under the international law. The Indus Basin is an economic and survival lifeline for 250 million Pakistanis. Thus, food security and national stability hinges on IWT.
The DPM also stated that Pakistan is committed to lawful dispute resolution through the Court of Arbitration at The Hague regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. He emphasized implementing the treaty in true letter and spirit, which includes utilizing established dispute mechanisms, and restoring technical engagement and data-sharing.
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Keynote Address by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the Seminar on “The Indus Waters Treaty: South Asian Security at the Crossroads,” organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington @PakinUSA on 28… pic.twitter.com/7giYtrDPqF
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 28, 2026
Dar lastly warned against weaponization of shared water resources noting that shared hydrological resources must never be weaponized or subordinated to political convenience.
