Islamabad: Pakistan is facing renewed concern over its water security after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades old agreement that governs the sharing of river waters between the two neighbours.
Recent reports and expert assessments indicate that Pakistan has very limited water storage capacity, estimated at around 30 days under normal conditions. This does not mean the country will run out of water in a month, but it highlights how vulnerable Pakistan is to any disruption in river flows, especially during dry periods.
The Indus river system is the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture, supplying water to nearly 80 percent of its farmland. Major reservoirs such as Tarbela and Mangla play a crucial role in managing this supply. Officials and analysts say that when inflows drop or become unpredictable, it quickly affects irrigation, drinking water availability and power generation.
India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after a deadly attack in Kashmir, blaming Pakistan for cross border terrorism. New Delhi has said it will not resume treaty obligations unless security concerns are addressed. Pakistan has strongly rejected the accusations and has warned that any deliberate restriction of water flows could have serious humanitarian consequences.
Experts note that even with the treaty suspended, India cannot fully stop the rivers due to geography and existing infrastructure. However, changes in dam operations, such as holding or releasing water without prior coordination, can still create sudden shortages or flooding downstream.
Climate change is adding to the pressure. Pakistan has experienced extreme weather in recent years, with devastating floods followed by periods of drought. These swings make efficient water management more difficult and increase dependence on stable river flows.
Pakistan’s authorities are calling for international attention to the issue, while also urging long term investment in water storage, conservation and better irrigation practices. Analysts say the current situation is a reminder that water security in South Asia is closely tied to both regional stability and climate resilience.
As tensions remain high, millions of people in Pakistan’s farming heartland are watching river levels closely, hoping that politics and weather do not combine to deepen an already fragile water situation.