ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday vowed that Islamabad would defend its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on the first anniversary of a major military operation that Pakistan launched against India, describing Delhi’s move to suspend the treaty as “weaponization of water.”
Signed in 1960, the treaty was brokered by the World Bank and governs the distribution of waters from the Indus river system, allocating the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — primarily to Pakistan, which relies on them for most of its agriculture. The three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — were allocated primarily to India for unrestricted use.
India held the treaty in abeyance in April 2025 after the Pahalgam militant attack, in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-administered Kashmir. Delhi blamed Islamabad for supporting the attack, charges that Pakistan denied.
The move led to heightened tensions between the neighbors. India launched attacks against Pakistan in May last year, with Islamabad responding with a military operation on May 10. Pakistan named its military response as “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” which translates to “structure made of lead,” targeting Indian military installations.
“India’s decision to put it [IWT] in abeyance, without any legal basis for unilateral suspension, is a threat to the livelihoods of millions,” Zardari said in a message to mark the anniversary of the military operation.
“Water is not a bargaining chip. Pakistan shall defend its water rights with the same resolve it has shown in defense of its territory.”
’GUARANTOR OF PEACE’
Zardari spoke about Pakistan’s recent mediation efforts between the US and Iran, saying that Islamabad had facilitated a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran with “responsible and balanced diplomacy.”
“Pakistan today is recognized as a state that not only knows how to defend itself but also serves as a guarantor of peace and stability,” he said.
“Pakistan will continue its efforts to promote peace, dialogue and stability wherever it can make a difference.”
He said Pakistan reiterates its position on “terrorism” with clarity, that it is a victim of the menace.
“We remain determined to root out the Fitna Al-Khawarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan in all their manifestations,” he said.
Pakistan refers to the Pakistan Taliban or TTP as “Fitna Al-Khawarij” and Baloch separatist militants as “Fitna Al-Hindustan.” Pakistan accuses India of supporting both groups in carrying out militant attacks against Pakistan, charges Delhi has denied.
Islamabad also accuses Afghanistan of facilitating militants who launch attacks against Pakistan, which Kabul has rejected vehemently.
Zardari said Pakistan has sought guarantees from Afghanistan that its soil will not be used for militant activities.
“Pakistan seeks no conflict. But it shall never accept thuggish, coercive behavior,” he said.
“We are committed to sovereignty, to international law, and to a stable region where differences are resolved through dialogue rather than domination.”
