ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has raised serious alarm over what it terms a renewed “water war” by India after abrupt and extreme fluctuations in the Chenab River’s flow during the winter season. Officials said India suddenly released around 58,000 cusecs of water at Head Marala during the night of December 7–8, 2025, before drastically cutting flows to just 870–1,000 cusecs from December 13 to 17. This was far below the historical average of 4,000–10,000 cusecs for the period.
Pakistan maintains that the emptying and refilling of the Baglihar Hydropower Project reservoir violates the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. Pakistan’s Commissioner for Indus Waters, Syed Mehr Ali Shah, confirmed that a formal protest was lodged with India, citing scientific evidence and invoking relevant IWT provisions for data-sharing and urgent consultations.
The Court of Arbitration has already ruled such actions as water weaponisation, affirming that the treaty remains legally binding despite India’s unilateral suspension attempt in April 2024. Pakistan has reiterated that any disruption of its water rights would be treated as an act of war.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
