Pakistan has expressed concern over India’s proposed Chenab Up-Link Tunnel project, urging the international community to intervene and ensure compliance with international water-sharing obligations.
In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said diverting water from the Chenab River to another river system would constitute a serious violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. The spokesperson added that such actions would also be inconsistent with the principles of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and broader international water laws.
The spokesperson also voiced concerns over India’s reported plan to increase the storage capacity of the Salal Dam, saying the project could give New Delhi a level of control over river flows that is not permissible under the Indus Waters Treaty.
According to the Foreign Office, these projects indicate an attempt by India to use water as a strategic tool. Pakistan called on the international community to urge India to halt any projects aimed at restricting or diverting water allocated to Pakistan and to fully restore sincere implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding its water rights and national interests and reserves all available options under international law to protect them.
