The government of Pakistan has decided to speed up work on key hydropower projects after India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the move aims to protect Pakistan’s long-term water security.
Speaking to a delegation of engineers, Iqbal said the Diamer Bhasha Dam and other projects will now receive priority funding. This step comes after reports that India plans to draw more water from rivers that flow into Pakistan. These rivers support around 80% of Pakistan’s farming and most of its hydropower.
India blames Pakistan for an attack in Pahalgam, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In response, it suspended its role in the water-sharing treaty. However, Pakistan denies any involvement in the attack.
Even though both countries agreed to a ceasefire this month, the treaty remains inactive. As a result, Pakistan sees urgent need to act. Iqbal stressed that India’s actions are a serious threat, and Pakistan must prepare by building dams and securing its water supply.
Transitioning to national matters, the minister explained the delay in the federal budget. He said the reason was the prime minister’s foreign visit and Eid holidays, not pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Iqbal also announced a paid internship programme for young engineers and a likely increase in the defence budget due to current security challenges.
Meanwhile, military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said in an interview that India cannot cut off water to 240 million people. He called such an idea “insane” and “impractical.”
India, on its part, is planning to increase water flow from the Chenab River for its use. Experts say this could take years, but Pakistan must act now to avoid future shortages.
In conclusion, Pakistan is taking serious steps to protect its water resources. The government is focused on speeding up dam construction and hydropower projects to face India’s water aggression.
