No one can change Indus Waters Treaty 1960 unilaterally: Sherry Rehman
Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman responded to a Call Attention Notice on behalf of the Minister for Water Resources about India’s letter of 25 January 2023 asking modification of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 (IWT).
Minister Rehman apprised the upper house that the contents of the Indian letter dated January 25, 2023, regarding the IWT modification were vague while accusing Pakistan of violating the agreement and committing material breach. She assured the Senate that the Government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of the matter and is dealing it on its merits. She further shared with the house that according to Article XII (4) of the IWT the provisions of this Treaty shall continue in force until terminated by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments. She added that, the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 is the only ratified Treaty between Pakistan and India and has not been replaced by a duly ratified treaty concluded between the two Governments of Pakistan and India, ever since 1960, therefore, the IWT, 1960 is the instrument in force and continue to be in force. It is imperative for India to ensure implementation of the Treaty in its true letter and spirit.
Minister Rehman said, “In the past, Pakistan raised objections on design aspect of Baglihar and challenged legality of diversion of Kishenganga river into Wullar. Presently, Pakistan has disputed India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants and moved the Court of Arbitration to interpret various provisions of the Treaty for settlement of systemic issues concerning the interpretation and application of the Treaty.”
The Minister said, “The Permanent Indus Commission as defined in the Treaty is the appropriate forum to raise and discuss any concerns. Pakistan is, therefore, happy to engage on any outstanding issue regarding the treaty at the level of the Permanent Indus Commission.” The Government has made deliberations with all relevant stakeholders, and a response has been sent to India on April 1, 2023, seeking clarification from the Indian side about the contents of their letter. The response has been made while considering the national interest of the country.
Minister Sherry Rehman concluded by stating that Pakistan is not panicking and is vigilant about its water resources. “The Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 has survived all kinds of tensions between the two countries and has played a vital role in managing the water resources between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is committed to the treaty and expects India to comply with it,” said the Minister.
Two days back, Pakistan has carefully responded to India’s notice sent on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 1960, saying it was ready to listen to New Delhi’s concerns at the level of the Permanent Commission of Indus Waters (PCIW).
India earlier issued a notice to Pakistan on January 25, seeking modifications in the treaty two days before the hearing of the Court of Arbitration in The Hague that took place on January 27-28. India had extended the notice by invoking Article 12 of the treaty.
The officials said Pakistan was ready to listen to Indian concerns on the treaty at the level of the Permanent Commission of Indus Waters (PCIW). They said Pakistan was a lower riparian country while India is upper riparian and the lower riparian country couldn’t flout the Indus Water Treaty’s provisions or commit any material breach.
The officials also said that the decision about the parleys on changes to the treaty will be taken once Pakistan heard India’s concerns at the PCIW level.
However, they said under Article 12 of the treaty, the existing treaty will continue to reign unless the parties to the dispute , Pakistan and India,bilaterally introduce changes to the pact.
The sanctity of the existing Indus Waters Treaty cannot be damaged between the two nuclear countries as the whole world cannot afford it, the official said, adding that Pakistan did not commit any material violation of IWT, which is why the Indian notice to introduce changes to IWT is uncalled for.
