ISLAMABAD, DEC 29 /DNA/ – Senator Sherry Rehman has strongly condemned India’s approval of the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), terming it a flagrant violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Under the treaty, Pakistan has control over the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India retains rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
She noted that the Indus Waters Treaty, which cannot be unilaterally revoked, has been reaffirmed by recent five United Nations rapporteurs as a binding international agreement.
She underscored “Five different rapporteurs have given their reports and rulings. All of India’s positions—regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, terrorism, the Pahalgam attack, and human rights were rejected. India has no standing left in any of these positions. Nowhere does it appear that they have accepted or endorsed India’s stance. Instead, they have admonished India and clearly stated that what India is doing, iappears to amount to international terrorism.”
Senator Rehman further added; “All of India’s responses were found unsatisfactory. They said these responses are wrong. You did not invoke any international charter. You have even placed the Indus Waters Treaty on hold and in abeyance. This is illegal and wrong. Wherever this matter has been discussed, there is clear condemnation regarding India in the report.“
Senator Rehman underscored that following the illegal suspension of the treaty, India has moved to fast-track multiple disputed hydropower projects in the Indus Basin, including Sawalkot, Ratle, Bursar, Pakal Dul, Kwar, Kiru, and Kirthai-1 and 2. She said the Dulhasti Stage-II project is part of this broader strategy. She also recalled that the Baglihar project, already contested by Pakistan, remains a clear violation of the treaty.
Senator Rehman warned that the weaponisation of water is neither sane nor acceptable in a region already facing severe climate change impacts and environmental stress. Such unilateral actions, she said, would further inflame tensions in an already fragile bilateral relationship marked by hostility and distrust.
Senator Rehman emphasized that respect for the Indus Waters Treaty is essential for regional peace, environmental sustainability, and the protection of the rights and livelihoods of millions of people who depend on shared river systems.
