British-Pakistani lawyers strongly condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), describing it as a dangerous form of “water warfare” against Pakistan. The group, speaking at the British-Pakistani Lawyers Forum in London, announced plans to establish a UK-based legal task force to safeguard Pakistan’s water rights and mobilise international legal and diplomatic support.
The Indus Waters Treaty suspension was labelled not just a political dispute but a humanitarian and ecological threat, given the treaty’s role in securing the majority of Pakistan’s freshwater supply.
Dar Highlights Existential Water Security Threat
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressing the forum during his UK visit, said India’s attempt to suspend the treaty was a blatant violation of international law and global commitments.
Dar reminded the forum that the 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, guarantees Pakistan 80% of its freshwater resources. He emphasised that it cannot be unilaterally revoked or suspended. “This treaty is the lifeline of 240 million Pakistanis and a cornerstone for ecological balance in South Asia,” Dar stated.
Forum’s Commitment to Legal Action
In response, the British-Pakistani Lawyers Forum pledged to establish a legal task force on the Indus Waters Treaty suspension, aiming to defend Pakistan’s case internationally. They committed to raising the issue in global legal institutions, building pressure on India, and ensuring that Pakistan’s water rights are protected.
This was the forum’s third meeting since its launch by the Pakistan High Commission in London in collaboration with Barrister Amjad Malik. The forum reiterated its mission to act as a voice for Pakistan’s interests in the UK, especially on critical issues like the Indus Waters Treaty.
Global Implications of IWT Suspension
Legal experts at the meeting warned that the unilateral Indus Waters Treaty suspension sets a dangerous precedent in international water-sharing agreements. They stressed that water must not be used as a weapon, and called on the global community to intervene before the crisis escalates into a full-blown regional conflict.
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World Bank rejects India’s unilateral Indus Water Treaty suspension
