Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has called on India to fully restore the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning against the 'weaponisation' of water resources. He made the remarks in a message marking World Water Day on March 22, 2026.
The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. Zardari stated that Pakistan remains committed to the treaty but expects India to adhere to its obligations under the pact.
His comments come amid longstanding tensions between the two nations over water-sharing. Pakistan has previously raised objections to Indian hydropower projects on the western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the treaty, arguing they violate its provisions.
The call for full restoration follows a period of strained cooperation. In 2023, India issued a notice to Pakistan seeking modifications to the treaty, a move Pakistan rejected. The treaty's dispute resolution mechanisms have been invoked several times in recent years.
