Indus Water Tensions
The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 governs river water sharing between Pakistan and India. The World Bank brokered this agreement to split six rivers in the Indus basin. Pakistan controls the three western rivers, which are the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India controls the three eastern rivers, which are the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Tensions rise because India builds dams on the western rivers. Pakistan states these projects violate the treaty and reduce water flow. India claims the treaty allows these run-of-the-river projects for power generation. This creates a permanent risk for water security in Pakistan.
Core Context Pillars
Pillar 1
India is building the Kishanganga dam on the Jhelum river and the Ratle dam on the Chenab river.
Pillar 2
Pakistan claims these Indian hydroelectric projects cut vital agricultural water supply and violate the 1960 agreement.
Pillar 3
The World Bank serves as the neutral treaty mediator and recently appointed a Court of Arbitration to hear the disputes.
Pillar 4
Climate change and seasonal droughts increase water stress in Pakistan, making river flow guarantees a critical national security issue.