Pakistan has intensified its criticism of India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, warning that undermining one of the world's oldest water-sharing agreements could have consequences far beyond South Asia. Speaking at a conference on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, senior Pakistani leaders argued that the dispute is no longer just a bilateral issue but one that could affect confidence in international agreements worldwide.

Pakistan's Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik said the treaty has survived multiple wars and decades of political tensions, adding that if such an agreement can be set aside, it could weaken the credibility of the global rules-based order established after World War II. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also called for adherence to international commitments, stating that water should not be used as a political tool. Pakistani officials urged the international community to take note of the ongoing dispute and support efforts to preserve the treaty.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the World Bank acting as a facilitator, governs the sharing of water from the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. It has long been regarded as one of the most successful examples of transboundary water cooperation, remaining in force despite several military conflicts between the two neighbours. Relations over the treaty deteriorated after India suspended its participation following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi cited national security concerns and stated that cross-border terrorism and normal treaty obligations cannot continue simultaneously.

Since then, Pakistan has repeatedly voiced concern over the future of the agreement, maintaining that millions of its citizens depend on the Indus river system for drinking water, agriculture and hydroelectric power. Pakistani leaders have described any disruption in water flows as a serious threat to the country's economy and food security.

Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also warned that any attempt to alter water-sharing arrangements could have serious regional consequences, reiterating Pakistan's demand for the restoration of the treaty framework. India has maintained that its position is linked to national security considerations and has not issued any fresh response to Pakistan's latest remarks made during the Islamabad conference.

The latest exchange comes amid growing concerns over water security across South Asia, where climate change, glacier melt and increasing demand for freshwater are placing additional pressure on shared river systems. Analysts believe the future of the Indus Waters Treaty will remain a key issue in India-Pakistan relations and could shape future diplomatic engagement between the two countries.