By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent warning that Pakistan faces the grave danger of water being used as a weapon from across its borders demands immediate and serious reflection. In a region already fraught with historical tensions, the weaponization of water represents a new, perilous dimension to regional politics, one that could undermine not only Pakistan’s agricultural backbone but also its national security and long-term stability.
Water is not merely a resource in Pakistan; it is the lifeline of its economy and its people. More than 70 percent of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture, and nearly all of Pakistan’s major rivers originate from territories under Indian control. This geographical dependence makes the country acutely vulnerable to upstream manipulations. While the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 was designed to regulate water sharing and prevent conflict, recent developments—such as India’s dam construction on western rivers and diversion projects—pose a direct threat to Pakistan’s water security. President Zardari’s statement reflects a reality that Islamabad can no longer afford to ignore.
India’s growing tendency to unilaterally alter river flows or delay information sharing on water data has already raised serious suspicions in Islamabad. Although India argues that its actions remain within the treaty’s framework, the spirit of mutual cooperation is clearly eroding. The use of water as a tool of coercion could have devastating humanitarian consequences for Pakistan, especially in times of drought or conflict. This is not merely a bilateral issue; it has far-reaching implications for regional peace and environmental sustainability.
Pakistan must now view water not only as a developmental concern but as a core element of national security policy. The government’s first step should be to strengthen the institutional framework for transboundary water management. This includes empowering the Indus Waters Commission with greater technical capacity and diplomatic authority. Parallel to that, Islamabad must actively engage international platforms, such as the United Nations and global climate forums, to highlight and pre-empt the potential militarization of shared rivers.
Domestically, Pakistan also needs to put its own house in order. Mismanagement, outdated irrigation systems, and the absence of effective water storage facilities have weakened national resilience. The loss of billions of cubic meters of water annually due to poor canal maintenance and evaporation further compounds the crisis. Without major investment in modern water infrastructure, even the best diplomatic efforts may fall short. President Zardari’s warning should, therefore, also serve as a call for internal reform and self-reliance.
The international community must also recognize that the use of water as a political or military tool is a violation of fundamental humanitarian principles. Water should never be used as an instrument of dominance or revenge. Both India and Pakistan, as nuclear powers, have a responsibility to prevent environmental and resource-based hostilities that could escalate into broader conflict. The world cannot afford another war, especially one fought over something as essential as water.
President Zardari’s statement, therefore, is not just a political warning, it is an urgent reminder that Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads. The time for complacency is over. Ensuring water security now requires a blend of diplomacy, technological innovation, and strategic foresight. If water truly becomes a weapon, its effects will be catastrophic, not only for Pakistan but for the entire South Asian region. The message is clear: safeguard the rivers today, or face an arid and unstable tomorrow.
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