Experts urge US mediation to restore IWT following fragile ceasefire

Following the fragile ceasefire between Pakistan and India, experts anticipate progress toward restoring the Indus Waters Treaty, which they say is crucial to ending India's unilateral suspension of water flows to Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack. They also urged the government to involve the United States in resolving the issue.

"The government must take up the issue with US authorities to pressure India into withdrawing its illegal and unilateral decision to suspend the treaty on April 24," said Jawaid Latif, a former member (Water) of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

He believes India may covertly reverse its decision during private talks with Pakistan, mediated by the US, in an effort to save face and avoid making a public announcement.

The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty regulates the sharing of water from the region’s rivers. Under the treaty, India has the right to use water from the eastern rivers, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while allowing limited discharge downstream to Pakistan.

Conversely, Pakistan is entitled to water from the western rivers, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.

Commenting on the situation, Syed Jamat Ali Shah, a former commissioner for Pakistan on Indus Waters, noted that international intervention, including that of the US, should extend beyond merely maintaining the ceasefire.

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"I believe the ceasefire is only the first step. I’m confident that when Pakistan and India engage in dialogue under US mediation, Pakistan will have to raise the issue of water rights," he said.

Mr Shah further stressed that the Pakistani government should ask the US to mediate on other longstanding disputes with India, including the Kashmir issue.

Responding to a question, he added that if there is meaningful progress on these matters, Pakistan should seek a formal guarantee from the US to ensure that India abides by any future agreements.