India Threatens to Block River Water to Pakistan After Kashmir Attack – What It Means
New Delhi, April 24, 2025 – In a major escalation after a deadly militant attack in Kashmir, India has announced it will stop sharing river water with Pakistan under a key agreement. This decision could cripple Pakistan’s farming and water supply, raising fears of a new crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
What Happened?
- Kashmir Attack: On Tuesday, militants killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, a scenic area in Indian-administered Kashmir.
- India’s Response: While not directly blaming Pakistan, India said the attackers had “cross-border links” and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 deal that controls how river water is shared.
Why Is the Indus Treaty Important?
- The treaty divides six major rivers between India and Pakistan.
- India controls the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers (eastern rivers).
- Pakistan relies on the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers (western rivers), which flow from India.
- If India blocks or diverts water, Pakistan could face severe shortages for crops and drinking water.
📌 Source: World Bank – Indus Waters Treaty
How Will This Affect Pakistan?
- Agriculture at Risk: Farming makes up 25% of Pakistan’s economy, and most irrigation comes from these rivers.
- Water Shortages: Pakistan is already struggling with droughts. Cutting river water could worsen the crisis.
- Flood Danger: If India releases extra water suddenly, it could flood Pakistani farms.
📌 Source: Dawn – Pakistan Water Crisis
Pakistan’s Strong Reaction
Pakistan’s government called India’s move “an act of war.” Protests erupted in cities like Karachi and Lahore, with people shouting “India is stealing our water!”
Will India Face Consequences?
Domestic Support: Many Indians back the decision as a strong response to terrorism.
- Global Reaction: Other countries may see this as another India-Pakistan dispute, not a global issue.
- Legal Battle: Pakistan could take India to court (The Hague) for breaking international water laws.
📌 Source: Al Jazeera – India-Pakistan Tensions
What’s Next?
- Monsoon Risk: If India withholds flood warnings, Pakistan could face sudden disasters.
- Food Shortages: Less water means lower crop yields, possibly leading to higher food prices.
- War Threat? While unlikely, cutting water could push tensions to a dangerous level.
📌 Source: Reuters – India-Pakistan Conflict Risks
Why This Matters
Water is more valuable than oil in South Asia. If India follows through, millions of Pakistani farmers could suffer, and tensions between the two countries could reach a breaking point.
Stay updated on this developing story at WhyNews.in.
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