Indus Water Treaty: Threats of Abrogation, Plans for Revision and Prospects of Survivability

Indus Basin Treaty which was brokered by the World Bank for resolving water issues between Pakistan and India. Despite persistent hostilities and wars between the two arch-rivals, the treaty has functioned well and is still crucial for Pakistan’s water security and peace of the region. However, owing to increasing tension of water shortage in both Pakistan and India strains arise over the treaty. Growing Pakistani demands for water and sustained Indian construction of hydropower projects, as well as other dams on western rivers, have raised threats regarding the survivability of the treaty. Presently the treaty has come under intense threats after Uri attacks. Due to this incident some Indian commentators recommended abrogation, while some circles proposed revision of the treaty. However, questions arise whether revision of the treaty suit Pakistan’s interests? Will the treaty survive in the face of current crisis? What is Pakistan’s current stand on the issue?