Expert: Prof. Dr. Salma Malik
Dr. Salma Malik, a professor at the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies at Quaid-e-Azam University, expressed growing concerns over violations of the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan. Dr. Malik warned that these infractions could potentially lead to what he termed “water wars” between the two nations.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank, has long been considered a successful example of water-sharing arbitration. The agreement delineates the distribution of water from the Indus River system between India, the upper riparian country, and Pakistan.
However, Dr. Malik highlighted several factors that are now threatening the treaty’s effectiveness:
- India’s alleged manipulation of storage capacity parameters and construction of contentious dams, such as the Ratle and Kishenganga projects.
- Disputes over the height, depth, and storage capacity of these structures.
- Pakistan’s water management issues.
- The impact of climate change on traditional river water patterns.
Dr. Malik emphasized the lack of bilateral cooperation between India and Pakistan as a significant obstacle to addressing these challenges. He expressed particular concern over inflammatory rhetoric from some Indian politicians, including threats to “dry up Pakistan’s agricultural lands.”
The professor cautioned against using water as a political tool, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences if extremist groups were to act on such rhetoric. He stressed the need to revisit the Indus Water Treaty in light of current challenges, including climate change-induced alterations in rainfall patterns and increased water demands due to population growth in both countries.
Dr. Malik concluded by underlining the critical importance of water management and conservation. He warned that failure to address these issues could lead to drought-like conditions in the future, potentially making water a central point of contention in future conflicts.
As global water scarcity concerns grow, the situation in the Indus basin serves as a stark reminder of the need for cooperative and sustainable water management practices, especially in regions with complex geopolitical dynamics.
