Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar strongly emphasized the vital role of the Indus Waters Treaty in ensuring Pakistan’s water security and ecological stability, while addressing the British-Pakistani Lawyers Forum in London. He pointed out that the treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank supervision, governs nearly 80 percent of Pakistan’s freshwater resources, sustaining the lives of over 240 million citizens and directly impacting agriculture, economy, and environment.
Moreover, Ishaq Dar highlighted that India’s attempt to unilaterally suspend the agreement is unlawful and represents a serious existential threat to Pakistan’s population, especially its reliance on water for survival and development. He underlined that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be unilaterally set aside, delayed, or suspended by any country, as it is internationally recognized and binding. Additionally, Dar declared that Pakistan views such actions as crossing a red line.
During the forum, lawyers in attendance unanimously condemned India’s actions, describing them as “water warfare” designed to destabilize Pakistan’s internal stability, food production, and access to clean drinking water. They further expressed deep concerns that any violation of the treaty could worsen tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, threatening regional peace and cooperation. Importantly, participants noted that water has become a sensitive geopolitical tool.
As a significant outcome, the British-Pakistani Lawyers Forum announced the creation of a dedicated UK-based legal task force focused on defending Pakistan’s water rights under international law. This task force will mobilize diplomatic pressure, strengthen advocacy in global legal institutions, and prepare strong legal cases to safeguard Pakistan’s freshwater access. Furthermore, it will serve as a voice for Pakistani citizens abroad.
The meeting, marking the third session of the forum, was organized by the Pakistan High Commission in London in collaboration with Barrister Amjad Malik. It brought together senior lawyers, community leaders, and policy experts, all committed to protecting Pakistan’s vital water resources. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s growing resolve to resist unilateral actions by India while engaging the international community for support.