LAHORE (Nazrana Times): Speakers at a national dialogue at the University of Lahore called for coordinated legal and diplomatic efforts to protect Pakistan’s water rights following India’s unilateral move concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. They stressed the need for national consensus, provincial coordination and improved water management.

The dialogue brought together senior political leaders, parliamentarians, legal experts, water-sector officials, academics and journalists. Discussions covered the treaty’s historical and legal status, India’s actions, regional diplomacy, climate challenges and Pakistan’s growing water requirements.

Participants included Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, PPP Sindh President Senator Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, former WAPDA chairman Lt Gen (retd) Muzammil Hussain, Indus Waters Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah, Mohsin Leghari and senior journalist Sohail Warraich.

Punjab and Sindh Urged to Develop Joint Strategy

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan said India’s unilateral action had fundamentally changed the circumstances surrounding the treaty. He urged political representatives from Punjab and Sindh to resolve their differences through dialogue and develop a joint strategy to protect national water interests.

He said Pakistan supported peace and peaceful dispute resolution but would not compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity or defence.

Legal and Institutional Preparedness

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan outlined the treaty’s legal dimensions and discussed possible strategies in the evolving situation. He emphasised the importance of effective legal and institutional measures.

Indus Waters Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah said changing environmental conditions and India’s unilateral move had created new diplomatic and political challenges. He called for coordinated legal and diplomatic efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s interests and strengthen irrigation capacity.

Downstream Concerns Must Be Addressed

Senator Nisar Ahmed Khuhro stressed that water distribution must account for the concerns of downstream areas, particularly Sindh. He highlighted reduced flows, sea intrusion and what he described as unfulfilled commitments concerning the province’s water requirements.

Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahu said declining downstream flows were contributing to serious environmental and economic challenges. He cited sea intrusion, the loss of agricultural land and reduced water availability for crops, warning of growing risks to coastal communities.

Improved Storage and Efficient Water Use

Former WAPDA chairman Lt Gen (retd) Muzammil Hussain said India had previously taken steps that, in Pakistan’s view, weakened the treaty’s effectiveness. He added that Pakistan must also address its internal water challenges through increased storage, efficient utilisation and better resource management.

Punjab’s IRSA member Amjad Saeed briefed participants on Pakistan’s river system, the treaty’s structure and water-distribution mechanisms, highlighting the importance of equitable allocation among provinces.

Chenab and Infrastructure Measures Discussed

Former senator and Punjab irrigation minister Mohsin Leghari discussed the treaty’s provisions concerning water pollution and stressed the need for predictable water supplies for agriculture.

WAPDA adviser Shahid Hameed identified the Chenab as particularly sensitive to potential upstream water interventions. He discussed proposed storage and infrastructure measures intended to address possible risks.

Dialogue and Regional Engagement

Senior journalist Sohail Warraich described the treaty as a major confidence-building arrangement for the subcontinent and urged negotiations to resolve disputes. He also highlighted the wider effects of regional tensions on democracy, trade and economic cooperation.

Former federal water and power secretary Irfan Ali said Pakistan could not afford to withdraw from the treaty. He called for stronger diplomatic engagement, including cooperation with China, to address regional water concerns.

Integrated National Water Strategy Proposed

The dialogue concluded with calls for an integrated national strategy combining effective diplomacy, legal preparedness, federal-provincial coordination, reservoir construction, environmental protection and efficient water use.

Speakers stressed that safeguarding water resources was essential to Pakistan’s agricultural economy, food security, long-term economic stability and national security.

Report: Ali Imran Chattha