India’s Water Cuts Trigger Regional Alarm, Pakistan Labels it ‘Water Terrorism’

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply after New Delhi drastically reduced the water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, causing immediate alarm over water shortages in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Pakistan’s Irrigation Department, the water flow at Head Marala plunged from 87,000 cusecs to just 10,800 cusecs in 24 hours. There is also growing concern that India may cut off the flow from the Kishanganga Dam, affecting the Jhelum River.

These acts follow India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a landmark agreement from 1960 that governed water sharing. Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) responded strongly, calling India’s move “water terrorism” and warned it could be seen as an act of war.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired the emergency NSC meeting, said:

“Water is our lifeline. India’s unilateral action threatens not only our agriculture but regional peace and security.”

India, on the other hand, has defended the move, citing maintenance and domestic water needs. A senior Indian official stated that since India has put the treaty in abeyance, it is exploring full utilization of its rivers.

Diplomatic observers and international bodies including the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the US State Department have expressed concern, urging both nations to de-escalate. However, relations remain tense, especially after Pakistan’s recent missile test over the weekend, which coincided with India’s water restrictions.

Environmental experts warn that millions could face irrigation shortages, particularly in Punjab, where crops depend heavily on the Chenab and Jhelum waters.