ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Monday confirmed that India has communicated flood warnings through diplomatic channels instead of routing them via the Indus Waters Commission, as mandated by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
“We reaffirm that India is obligated to fully comply with all provisions of the Treaty. India’s unilateral declaration to hold the Treaty in abeyance constitutes a serious violation of international law and could have significant negative consequences for peace and stability in South Asia,” said Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement.
India had suspended its adherence to the treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed more than 26 people. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the incident but did not provide credible evidence.
Diplomatic sources revealed that India issued flood warnings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs twice within 24 hours on August 24 and 25. These communications mark the first direct contact between the two countries since the Pahalgam attack, which heightened tensions and brought Pakistan and India close to war in early May.
Meanwhile, Punjab remains on high alert amid rising floodwaters in local rivers ahead of a fresh monsoon spell. Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents living along the Sutlej River to safer locations.
It was also reported that the Indian High Commission in Islamabad transmitted the flood warnings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025