President Asif Ali Zardari renewed Pakistan’s demand to restore the Indus Waters Treaty on World Water Day, urging India to fully resume the agreement in line with international obligations. He strongly criticised India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty and warned that such actions threaten regional stability and water security.
In his message, Zardari described the move as a “weaponisation” of shared water resources.
He stated that India has disrupted the sharing of hydrological data and weakened the mechanisms established under the treaty. He emphasised that these actions undermine a decades-old agreement that guarantees a fair distribution of water from the Indus River system. Tensions intensified after India suspended the treaty following an attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025. Pakistan has rejected any allegations linking it to the incident.
Zardari warned that the suspension could harm food security and economic stability. Millions depend on these water resources for agriculture and daily life. He added that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the management of shared water systems under international law. The president also focused on this year’s World Water Day theme, “Water and Gender.” He highlighted how water shortages affect women and girls more severely.
In many areas of Pakistan, families rely on distant or unreliable water sources. As a result, women and girls spend hours each day collecting water. This burden limits their access to education, work, and family life.
Zardari reaffirmed that access to safe water and sanitation is a fundamental right under Pakistan’s Constitution. He called for better water management, increased investment in water infrastructure, and greater involvement of women in planning and decision-making. He emphasised that improving water access is essential for fairness and equal opportunity.
The president encouraged citizens to adopt practical solutions such as rainwater harvesting. He said these steps can help recharge underground water reserves and improve overall availability. He also warned that rising population demands and climate pressures are increasing stress on water resources.
