The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. It was signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi, after nine years of talks. The World Bank helped in arranging and negotiating the treaty.

It was signed by India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan.

The treaty decided how to share the waters of the Indus River system, which flows through both countries.

According to the treaty:

  • India got full rights to use the water from the eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
  • Pakistan got control over the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.

India was also allowed to use the western rivers for limited irrigation and non-consumptive use, like producing electricity, navigation, and fishing.

The treaty has 12 articles and 8 annexe. It was meant to bring peace, cooperation, and fair water use between the two countries. Even during wars, both sides continued to follow the treaty.

Why was the treaty needed?

When India and Pakistan were divided in 1947, the Indus River system became a big issue. In 1948, India temporarily stopped water from flowing to Pakistan. This created tension, and Pakistan went to the United Nations. The UN asked for help from a neutral party, and the World Bank stepped in to solve the problem. After many years of talks, the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 to avoid future fights over water.

How does the treaty work?

Under the agreement:

  • India uses water from the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).
  • Pakistan uses water from the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

Pakistan gets about 80% of the total water flow, which is very important for farming, drinking, and industry in Pakistan.

The treaty also allowed some use of rivers on the other side, like limited irrigation and power generation.

Why did India suspend the treaty now?

On April 23, 2025, after a terror attack in Baisaran Valley where many Indian soldiers died, India decided to suspend the treaty.

India said that Pakistan supports terrorism, and continuing the treaty would be unfair.

India also closed the Attari border and stopped SAARC visa benefits for Pakistani nationals.

How does this impact Pakistan?

Suspending the Indus Water Treaty will be very serious for Pakistan. Here's why:

  • The Indus River system is Pakistan’s main water source. It supports millions of people, especially farmers.
  • About 80% of Pakistan’s water comes from the western rivers, which India controls under the treaty.
  • Pakistan’s agriculture depends on this water. The farming sector gives 23% to the national income and supports 68% of rural people.
  • The Indus basin gives 154.3 million acre-feet of water every year. This water is used to grow food and keep farms running.
  • If India stops or reduces the water flow, Pakistan’s crops will fail, leading to food shortages.
  • This will also cause economic problems, especially in villages where most people are farmers.

Pakistan already has water problems, such as:

  • Falling groundwater levels
  • Salty soil in farms (salinisation)
  • Not enough water storage

Pakistan’s major dams – Mangla and Tarbela – store only about 14.4 million acre-feet, which is just 10% of what Pakistan gets yearly.

Now, with the treaty suspended, Pakistan’s water future becomes even more uncertain.

The Indus Waters Treaty was one of the few peaceful agreements between India and Pakistan. It allowed both countries to use the river water fairly. But after the 2025 terror attack, India decided to suspend the treaty, blaming Pakistan for supporting terrorism. This decision may have a huge effect on Pakistan, especially its farmers, food supply, and rural economy.

 

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