Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 30, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that the Indus Waters Treaty is not merely an international document for Pakistan but an issue directly connected to the lives and survival of its people, agriculture and national economy. He maintained that the treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended or put on hold.
Special Report Launch Ceremony
A special report titled “Weaponisation of Water: Historical, Legal and Strategic Dimensions of the Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty” was launched at a ceremony in Islamabad. Addressing the event, Attaullah Tarar discussed the importance of the treaty and Pakistan’s position on the issue.
The federal minister said he was proud to be Pakistani because the country’s history is connected to the ancient civilisation of the Indus Basin. According to him, the Indus River and its tributaries have played a fundamental role in human settlement, agriculture and economic activity across the region for centuries.
Compliance with the Treaty Is Mandatory
Attaullah Tarar said that once the Indus Waters Treaty has been concluded, its implementation becomes binding on the parties concerned. In his view, international agreements cannot be suspended or terminated at the unilateral discretion of one party.
He stressed that the Indus Waters Treaty is a matter of life and survival for Pakistan and should not be treated as merely a document on paper.
Pakistan’s Position Before International Forums
The federal minister said Pakistan has consistently presented its position on the Indus Waters Treaty through diplomatic channels. According to him, an international arbitration court has also issued a decision in support of Pakistan’s position.
He maintained that the treaty cannot be suspended or placed on hold indefinitely. He added that decisions by international judicial forums have also presented a clear position on the matter.
Opposition to Using Water as a Weapon
Attaullah Tarar said the Indus Waters Treaty is an important mechanism for maintaining peace and stability in the region. He stated that Pakistan would not allow water to be used as a weapon.
He explained that water is directly linked to the lives of Pakistan’s people, agriculture and economy. Therefore, any action affecting water flows has consequences that extend beyond diplomatic or political matters and directly affect ordinary citizens and the national economy.
Prime Minister’s Position at the United Nations
The federal minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also clearly presented Pakistan’s position on its water rights at the United Nations.
According to Tarar, the prime minister had made it clear that any attempt to stop Pakistan’s water supply would be considered an act of war. Tarar said Pakistan could not afford to show any negligence in protecting its water rights.
Sacrifices in the Fight Against Terrorism
The federal information minister also referred to Pakistan’s fight against terrorism. He said the country had sacrificed thousands of lives in the conflict and suffered billions of dollars in economic losses.
Despite these challenges, he said, Pakistan had continued to play its role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Allegations of Cross-Border Interference
Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan’s eastern neighbour had repeatedly levelled allegations of cross-border interference against the country.
According to him, these allegations were used as the basis for announcing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. However, Pakistan has presented its position on the issue before diplomatic and legal forums.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Peace
The federal minister said Pakistan wanted peace in the region and believed in resolving disputes through diplomatic means. However, he maintained that water could not be allowed to be used as a weapon.
He said the Indus Waters Treaty provides an important framework for water distribution and cooperation in the region, and its status cannot be undermined through unilateral measures.
Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan would continue presenting its position through diplomatic, legal and other relevant forums to protect its water rights.
According to him, water is fundamental to the lives of Pakistan’s people, the country’s agriculture and its economy. For this reason, Pakistan would treat any action concerning the Indus Waters Treaty with the utmost seriousness.
