Pakistan has issued a stern warning to India at the United Nations Human Rights Council, accusing New Delhi of attempting to use shared water resources as an ‘instrument of coercion’. The Pakistani delegation emphasized that the management of transboundary rivers necessitates shared responsibilities and cooperative approaches.
- Pakistan’s First Secretary, Adeel Mumtaz Khokhar, addressed the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
- The Pakistani representative highlighted India’s alleged ‘weaponisation of water’ in bilateral relations.
- Shared water resources, Pakistan argues, inherently imply shared responsibilities for their equitable management.
- The warning comes amid ongoing tensions and disputes over water sharing agreements between the two South Asian neighbours.
India’s Water Policies Under Scrutiny
The Pakistani delegation specifically raised concerns regarding India’s unilateral actions and policies related to the management of rivers that flow into Pakistan. These actions, according to Pakistan, have serious implications for the security and economic stability of the region.
- India’s approach to water management has been characterized as a departure from established norms of bilateral cooperation.
- Pakistan asserts that such unilateral actions can exacerbate existing tensions and create new points of conflict.
- The use of water as a political or economic lever is seen as a violation of international water law principles.
The Indus Waters Treaty and Its Challenges
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan. While the treaty has largely held, disputes over its interpretation and implementation have persisted.
- The treaty allocates the three eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) to India and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) primarily to Pakistan.
- India has the right to use the waters of the western rivers for ‘non-consumptive use’ and for ‘agriculture and generation of electricity’, subject to certain restrictions.
- Pakistan contends that certain Indian infrastructure projects, particularly on the western rivers, violate the treaty’s provisions and impact downstream flows.
- The Permanent Indus Commission, established under the treaty, serves as a mechanism for cooperation and dispute resolution, but its effectiveness has been tested over the years.
Pakistan’s Stance at the Human Rights Council
In its address, Pakistan underscored the importance of international cooperation and adherence to legal frameworks in managing shared natural resources. The delegation stressed that water security is intrinsically linked to regional stability and human rights.
- Pakistan called for a constructive dialogue with India to resolve water-related disputes amicably.
- The country reiterated its commitment to the principles of international law and the Indus Waters Treaty.
- The delegation urged the international community to encourage adherence to these principles by all states.
Security Implications of Water Disputes
The Pakistani representative articulated that the ‘weaponisation of water’ by India poses significant security risks. Disruptions to water flow can impact agriculture, energy production, and the livelihoods of millions, potentially leading to social unrest and instability.
- Agriculture in Pakistan is heavily reliant on the waters of the Indus River system.
- Any significant reduction in water availability could lead to crop failures and economic hardship.
- This, in turn, could fuel social discontent and create a challenging security environment.
Call for Cooperative Water Management
Pakistan’s intervention at the UN Human Rights Council serves as a critical reminder of the need for collaborative approaches to transboundary water management. The country advocates for a framework where shared resources are managed equitably, ensuring the rights and needs of all riparian states are met.
- The principle of ‘equitable and reasonable utilization’ is central to international water law.
- Pakistan insists that India’s actions are inconsistent with this principle.
- The country seeks a return to cooperative mechanisms that prioritize mutual benefit and regional harmony.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s strong statement at the UN Human Rights Council highlights the escalating tensions with India over water resources. By framing water management as a human rights and security issue, Pakistan aims to draw international attention to its concerns.
The country’s call for shared responsibility and adherence to international law underscores the critical need for cooperative solutions to prevent water disputes from escalating into broader conflicts, impacting millions of lives and regional stability.
