ISLAMABAD:Environmental expert and policy analyst Afia Salam has termed the announcement of placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) “in abeyance” as legally meaningless, stating that the agreement contains no provision allowing unilateral suspension by either party.
In a telephonic interview with APP, she said the treaty does not permit one-sided actions and, therefore, any such declaration has little legal standing. She added that beyond the treaty itself, several international norms governing transboundary waters clearly safeguard the rights of lower riparian states.
Commenting on recent developments, Afia said the only significant progress so far has been the response at international forums, where Pakistan’s position against what she described as an “unwarranted and illegal stance” has received endorsement.
She shared that she has consistently raised the issue on various platforms, advocating the rational use of water resources, stronger conservation measures, and increased water storage through nature-based solutions. She also underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement.
“Channels of communication must remain open, and Pakistan should continue engaging with the international community,” she said. At the same time, Salam suggested that Pakistan should immediately address environmental concerns related to cross-border drainage, calling for the closure of three drains flowing from India int
o Pakistan.
Afia emphasized that while diplomatic efforts continue, Pakistan must focus on strengthening its internal water management, conservation practices, and sustainable storage strategies to secure long-term water resilience.