ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has warned that using water as a tool of political pressure could threaten regional peace and stability, stressing that India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty raises serious questions about compliance with international law and treaty obligations.
Addressing the Margalla Dialogue via video link on Tuesday, she said the Indus Waters Treaty was a landmark international agreement designed to safeguard the water rights of Pakistan and India and ensure the equitable distribution of shared water resources between the two countries.
She said adherence to international agreements was both a legal and moral responsibility of all states, adding that unilateral actions against established treaties undermined international commitments and could have far-reaching consequences.
“Using water as a tool of political pressure poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” Rehman said, warning that politicising water resources could jeopardise the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.
She emphasised that effective implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty was essential for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, food security and overall water security, describing the agreement as a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy.
Rehman reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue diplomatic efforts to safeguard its legitimate water rights under the treaty and would pursue all available legal and international forums to protect its interests.
In a separate part of her address, the PPP leader welcomed the defence agreement reached between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in Makkah, describing it as a reflection of brotherly relations, mutual trust and growing strategic cooperation among the three countries.
She termed the agreement an important development towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the three nations, saying it would open new avenues for cooperation in collective defence and regional security.
Rehman said stronger defence and strategic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could also play an important role in promoting peace, security and stability across the region.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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