UNITED NATIONS: A senior Pakistani diplomat voiced deep concern over the deliberate weaponisation of shared natural resources, i.e. the Indus waters, saying that such acts set a bad global precedent.
Referring to India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty earlier this year, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said: “Such acts do not just harm one country; they weaken confidence in international water law and set a precedent for resource-based coercion elsewhere”.
India had suspended the World Bank-mediated treaty governing water sharing of six rivers in the Indus basin between the two countries after the Pahalgam incident in April.
In a wide-ranging discussion on climate and security, the Pakistani envoy called India’s unilateral action a “textbook example “of the deliberate weaponisation of shared natural resources”.
Pakistani envoy says New Delhi’s unilateral move undermines international water law, endangers millions dependent on Indus basin
“For more than six decades,” Ambassador Ahmad said, “This Treaty has stood as a model of cooperation, ensuring equitable and predictable sharing of the Indus Basin’s waters between Pakistan and India, even in times of war.”
“India’s unlawful and unilateral decision to suspend this framework undermines the letter and spirit of the treaty, disrupts data-sharing, and endangers the lives of millions who depend on the Indus River water system for food and energy security, for their very survival,” he added.
“This should be of grave concern for every member of this Council and for the international community as a whole.”
Pointing out that no provision of the Indus Waters Treaty permits unilateral suspension or modification, the Pakistani envoy said the Court of Arbitrations 2025 award reaffirmed the continuing validity of the treaty and its dispute-settlement mechanisms, upholding Pakistan’s position that all issues must be resolved within its legal framework.
“We therefore expect full respect for the treaty and an early return to compliance and normal functioning through the established channels”, he emphasised.
The Council’s debate coincided with the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
To address the environmental impacts of armed conflict and climate-driven security risks, Ambassador Ahmad called for a greater focus on conflict prevention and early resolution.
He proposed integrating environmental measures into UN peace missions, noting Pakistan’s peacekeeping contributions and urging their inclusion in planning and mandates.
The Pakistani envoy stressed adherence to international humanitarian law, urging protection of civilians and the environment during conflicts. He also urged stronger coordination across the UN system and related bodies.
Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2025
