Pakistan has urged India to reconsider its decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in suspension, highlighting the critical dependence of millions on the waters governed by the 1960 pact. The plea reportedly came in a letter from Syed Ali Murtaza, secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources, addressed to Debashree Mukherjee, India’s Jal Shakti ministry secretary.

However, the tone of the letter was far from conciliatory, branding India’s move as “unilateral and illegal,” equating it to an “attack on the people of Pakistan and its economy.” Sources suggest this letter likely arrived during India’s ongoing Operation Sindoor. New Delhi has chosen not to publicly respond to the appeal but insiders confirm the cabinet committee on security’s April 23 decision to suspend the treaty stands firm, following the killing of tourists in Pahalgam.

Government sources referenced Prime Minister Modi’s powerful statement: “blood and water cannot flow together,” underscoring India’s firm stance. India rejects accusations that suspending the treaty is unlawful. Officials point to provisions allowing treaty reconsideration due to “change of circumstances,” arguing Pakistan’s use of terrorism against India breaches the treaty’s fundamental goodwill.

Additionally, climate change and evolving ground realities call for reassessment of existing dam designs and infrastructure, justifying the suspension. Recently, India carried out flushing and desilting at two hydropower projects—Baglihar and Salal—on the Chenab river, causing disruptions downstream. With no obligation to share water data post-suspension, Pakistan faces irregular water flows just before its crucial sowing season, intensifying its predicament.

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