ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by sending a flood warning through diplomatic channels instead of the treaty’s official mechanism, saying the move was a “serious violation of international law.”
The statement came a day after the Indian High Commission in Islamabad warned of high flood levels in the River Tawi in Indian-administered Kashmir, despite New Delhi announcing in April that it had suspended the decades-old treaty.
“On 24 August 2025, India communicated flood warnings through diplomatic channels, rather than through the Indus Waters Commission as required under the Indus Waters Treaty,” the Foreign Office said, adding that India’s declaration to hold the treaty in abeyance could have “significant negative consequences for peace and stability in South Asia.”
The River Tawi, which joins Pakistan’s Chenab River, runs through the border districts of Gujrat and Sialkot.
Following the Indian alert, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab issued a flood warning, directing district administrations to activate monitoring and early warning systems.
A letter from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Sunday, seen by Arab News, stated: “River and site Name: Tawi, Jammu. Date/Time: 24th August 2025, 10.00 Hrs, flood data: high flood.”
India suspended the IWT in April after blaming Pakistan for an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Pakistan denied involvement and demanded an international probe.
Under the treaty, signed in 1960, Pakistan has rights to the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — while India controls the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — but can use the western rivers for limited purposes provided it does not significantly alter their flow.
Pakistan had reacted strongly to India’s suspension of the IWT, warning that any attempt to stop or divert its guaranteed share of waters would be considered “an act of war.”
The latest exchange comes as Pakistan reels from deadly monsoon rains, with nearly 800 people killed since June 26 due to heavy showers and subsequent flash floods and landslides.
