Govt warns India over Chenab water diversion plan

June 04, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan expressed serious concern over reported Indian plans to divert water from the Chenab River to the Beas River system, stating that it reserves all legal and treaty-based options to protect its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Addressing a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the proposed inter-basin transfer would be inconsistent with Pakistan’s rights under the IWT and could contravene established principles of international treaty and water law, as reported by Radio Pakistan.

He maintained that any attempt to alter the natural flow of waters allocated under the treaty would have far-reaching implications.

The spokesperson also voiced concern over reports regarding proposed silt-flushing operations at the Salal Dam reservoir in the Reasi district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to him, such measures could provide water regulation capabilities beyond those permitted under the Indus Waters Treaty and the 1978 Salal Agreement.

Andrabi said Pakistan has not received any formal notification from India regarding these projects, nor have consultations been initiated through the mechanisms provided under the treaty framework.

He added that the developments reinforce Pakistan’s concerns over what it views as attempts to use water resources as a strategic tool.

He warned that any action affecting Pakistan’s water security could have significant consequences for agriculture, the economy, and regional stability.

Stressing the importance of responsible conduct, Andrabi said Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution but would not accept measures that threaten the country’s water, food, or economic interests.

The spokesperson called on the international community to encourage India to uphold its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty, avoid actions that could alter water flows allocated to Pakistan, and ensure the treaty’s full implementation.

Responding to a question regarding the visit of Switzerland’s ambassador to India to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s position that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute.

He said visits by foreign dignitaries do not change the territory’s disputed status, which Pakistan believes should be resolved through an impartial and internationally supervised plebiscite.

On the issue of the Abraham Accords, the spokesperson said Pakistan’s stance remains unchanged and continues to be linked to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Commenting on recent remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding ongoing discussions with Iran, Andrabi welcomed the positive outlook and said Pakistan supports efforts aimed at reaching an agreement.

He added that Islamabad remains willing to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran if required and hopes for an early resolution of outstanding issues.

Copyright Mettis Link News