Pakistan is the land of rivers. The very name Punjab means “the land of five rivers,” among which the Ravi and Sutlej hold particular importance. These rivers have for centuries sustained the agriculture, economy, and culture of this region. However, in recent days these very rivers have wreaked havoc across many parts of Pakistan. The sudden floods have devastated numerous districts of Punjab, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and submerged millions of acres of land. While climate change is partly responsible for this calamity, India’s water aggression has made the disaster far more severe.In the central and southern districts of Punjab, sudden torrents of water submerged hundreds of villages. Standing crops were destroyed, and livestock swept away. These devastations were not the result of a single moment but were greatly intensified by India’s sudden release of water without prior notice.
According to international law, any abrupt change in the flow of cross-border rivers must be communicated to the neighboring country in advance so that precautionary measures can be taken.
According to international law, any abrupt change in the flow of cross-border rivers must be communicated to the neighboring country in advance so that precautionary measures can be taken. Yet India has consistently ignored this obligation, plunging millions of Pakistanis into hardship.
As always during natural disasters, the Pakistan Army took the lead in relief efforts. Helicopters, boats, and special rescue teams were dispatched to evacuate people trapped by floodwaters. Army personnel have remained present in the affected regions day and night, relocating thousands of people to safer places. The Army also arranged the provision of food and medicine. At many points, soldiers risked their lives to carry the elderly, women, and children on their shoulders to safety. Such scenes gave strength and reassurance to the hearts of Pakistanis.
Although civilian institutions tried their best, due to limited resources and administrative delays, the real burden once again fell on the Army. The public openly acknowledged that the Army had saved their lives; otherwise, this flood could have turned into a massive human tragedy.
In 1960, Pakistan and India signed the Indus Waters Treaty, under which the waters of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas were allocated to India, while the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab were allocated to Pakistan. India, however, was bound to regulate the flow of water in its territory in such a way that sudden devastation would not occur in Pakistan.Unfortunately, India has never fully adhered to the spirit of this treaty. Frequently, during monsoon rains, it releases water toward Pakistan without warning. The recent floods were no different: India suddenly discharged millions of cusecs of water into the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej, sending torrents rushing into the districts of Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and others. This was not merely a natural calamity but a form of water aggression, intended to weaken Pakistan economically and socially.India knows well that Pakistan’s economy depends heavily on agriculture, and if farmers’ crops are destroyed, the country will suffer great financial losses. Another dangerous aspect of this water aggression was India’s deliberate release of water near the Kartarpur Corridor. The corridor is a sacred place for the Sikh community, which Pakistan had opened as a gesture of goodwill.India’s intention was that when Sikh pilgrims saw this area devastated, they would perceive that Pakistan was failing to protect their holy sites. In this way, India sought to incite the Sikh community against Pakistan, tarnishing its positive image at the international level. This conspiracy became evident when Indian media deliberately started propaganda, claiming that “Pakistan’s administration cannot protect Kartarpur.” In reality, it was India itself that had deliberately released the water into that area.
India deliberately tried to damage the Sikh holy site, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. Historically, India has repeatedly harmed Sikhs. During the Indo-Pak wars, India even launched missiles at the Golden Temple in Amritsar-an unmistakable example of its anti-Sikh hostility. Yet the Pakistan Army foiled this latest conspiracy too by launching an immediate rescue operation in Kartarpur. Five Army teams, using boats, successfully evacuated trapped Sikh pilgrims and other people, ensuring no loss of life. Meanwhile, the government worked to safeguard the Guru Granth Sahib and other sacred items at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
Once again, India has shown the world that it is not only an enemy of Pakistan but also of humanity, and particularly of the Sikh community. To counter India’s water aggression, Pakistan must formulate a long-term water security strategy. Construction of dams and barrages should be accelerated so that water can be stored and disasters prevented.
It is also essential to take India’s water aggression to the International Court of Justice and the United Nations, so the world can witness India’s irresponsible conduct. Provincial institutions must also be equipped with modern tools, helicopters, and trained personnel so that Pakistan does not have to rely entirely on the Army in times of natural disasters. Moreover, villagers should be trained in emergency response so that loss of life during floods can be minimized.
The recent floods in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers have once again proven that Pakistan faces not only external threats on its borders but also conspiracies along its rivers. India’s water aggression magnified the devastation many times over. In the context of Kartarpur, India’s planning is a clear indication that it is waging psychological and diplomatic warfare against Pakistan by every possible means.
In such times, the Pakistan Army has won the hearts of the people through its sacrifices and tireless efforts. Its role in relief operations demonstrates that the institution is not only the guardian of Pakistan’s borders but also a source of support for the nation in every hour of difficulty.
Pakistan must now recognize the reality that future water wars may prove even more dangerous than conventional wars. A comprehensive water policy, diplomatic strategy, and strong institutional framework are needed so that Pakistan can not only counter India’s water aggression but also secure a safe future for its coming generations.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.
Source:https://dailytimes.com.pk/1361911/indian-water-war-and-floods/