Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: An Analysis of Water Stress, and Agricultural Vulnerability in Pakistan

Authors

  • Samina Yasmeen Chairperson of the department of Pakistan Studies, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Keywords:

Indus Waters Treaty, Water Scarcity, Agricultural Vulnerability, Trans boundary Water Conflict, Food Security in Pakistan

Abstract

Since 1960, the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has worked like key pillar of water collaboration between India and Pakistan, sustaining the country’s agriculture sector. However, the recent suspension and restriction to the treaty have aggravated water shortage, with broad requisition for Pakistan food security and agriculture production. This study investigates the overall impacts of suspension of Indus Water Treaty on Pakistan's agricultural sectors. Likewise, it highlights problems facing by Pakistan's irrigation dependent farming communities by generally analyzing the new water pressures and susceptibilities in pivotal agricultural areas. The findings analyze that the outdated irrigation methods and unfair distribution of water due to suspension of the Indus Water Treaty have led to financial risks, especially for middle- and lower-class farmers.

Published

2026-02-01