ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday criticised India for attempting to weaponise water through its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling such actions unacceptable for Pakistan.
Chairing a meeting on water resources management, Zardari reviewed issues related to water availability, governance, and regional developments affecting the country.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s water rights and pursuing all necessary diplomatic and legal measures to protect the nation’s interests.
He highlighted the wider implications of using water as a political tool, describing it as a matter of serious consequence.
He also addressed the impact of regional tensions on Pakistan’s energy supply, instructing authorities to make every effort to minimise load shedding.
He directed that any load management be carried out transparently, with prior public notification, to reduce disruption to citizens.
Zardari called for accelerated nationwide water conservation efforts, urging the rapid implementation of rainwater harvesting at domestic, commercial, and industrial levels.
He also asked for the expedited construction of small dams, recharge wells, and water storage infrastructure, describing water conservation as a national imperative amid mounting regional pressures.
The meeting also discussed broader regional issues, with the president emphasising that stability in the region remains essential.
He expressed confidence that sustained diplomatic engagement could help forge a workable solution to evolving tensions involving Iran.
Federal ministers Muhammad Moeen Wattoo (Water Resources), Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry (Planning Development and Special Initiatives), and Awais Leghari (Energy), Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, senators Saleem Mandviwala and Sherry Rehman, the Secretary of Water Resources, the Chairman of WAPDA, and the Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters attended the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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