India Counterattack: Pakistan Overwhelmed – Water Crisis & Crop Loss
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India’s Indus Water Treaty Suspension: Pakistan Faces Severe Water Crisis and Agricultural Devastation
ISLAMABAD: India’s temporary freeze on the Indus Water Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack has reportedly led to severe water shortages in Pakistan and severely affected agriculture. The move, while presented as a response to security concerns, raises significant questions about regional stability and the potential for humanitarian consequences.
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According to the 2025 Environmental Impact Report of the Institute for Economics and Peace, 80 percent of pakistan’s agriculture is on the brink of destruction. Currently, Pakistan’s dams on the Indus River can store only 30 days of water. This limited storage capacity makes the nation exceptionally vulnerable to disruptions in water flow.
while there are limitations to entirely stop the flow of rivers,even minor blockages can have devastating effects on Pakistan’s agriculture,the report said. The Indus River system is crucial not only for irrigation but also for groundwater recharge and overall ecological health.
Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty
The indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is a landmark agreement between India and Pakistan. It allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between the two countries. The treaty grants India exclusive rights to the waters of the eastern rivers - the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej - while Pakistan receives the waters of the western rivers - the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.Crucially, the treaty establishes a Permanent Indus Commission, comprised of commissioners from both countries, to manage and resolve disputes.
While the treaty has survived several wars and periods of intense political tension, it has always been a source of friction. Pakistan has consistently raised concerns about India’s construction of dams and hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, alleging violations of the treaty’s provisions.India maintains that these projects are within its rights and are designed for non-consumptive use (i.e.,generating electricity rather than diverting water for irrigation).
The Current Crisis: What Happened?
The immediate trigger for India’s suspension of cooperation under the treaty was the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of security