Sherry Rehman slams India's approval of Dulhasti-II project as violation of Indus Waters Treaty

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has strongly criticised India’s approval of the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River, calling the move a blatant and serious breach of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

In a statement issued on Monday, she said India’s decision to go ahead with a disputed hydropower scheme in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) strikes directly at Pakistan’s internationally recognised rights over its rivers.

Sherry maintained that any unilateral activity on waterways allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty is unacceptable and could endanger peace and stability across the region.

The PPP leader warned that any attempt to suspend or violate the treaty on a one-sided basis is contrary to international law, established global norms and the spirit of regional harmony.

She stressed that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement and cannot be altered or ignored at the discretion of a single state.

Sherry cautioned that the construction of additional Indian projects on the Chenab River could have far-reaching repercussions for Pakistan, including threats to water availability, agricultural productivity and environmental balance.

She added that the Dulhasti Stage-II project may also carry serious defence and strategic implications for the country.

Drawing attention to recent events, Sherry Rehman referred to an unusual and sudden drop in the Chenab’s water flow, describing it as clear proof of what she termed Indian “water aggression.” 
She accused India of exploiting water resources as a tool to create tension and instability in South Asia.

The PPP senator warned that any effort to assert control over Pakistan’s rivers would invite serious consequences, declaring that water security is Pakistan’s “red line” and not open to compromise.

She further cautioned that continued disregard for Pakistan’s water rights could provoke strong repercussions, recalling Pakistan’s firm responses in the past.

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, the PPP leader said that the country would take up India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty forcefully at all appropriate international forums.

Sherry Rehman called on India to immediately halt unilateral actions and urged New Delhi to fulfil its international commitments by respecting and implementing the treaty in both letter and spirit.