The Indus, which has been the cradle of a great civilization, has now become a bone of contention—thanks to egoistic political leaders and demagogues. They have long used social, religious, and political rhetoric to divide people, and now they stand at the brink of cutting the jugular vein of an already starving peasant—on both sides of the Line of Control (LOC).
Both sides. Because if India blocks or diverts Pakistan’s water, it is more than likely that China will block the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, which originate from Chinese territory. In the end, the ones who will suffer the most are the poor farmers—the common men—who give their sweat to the fields.
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which has endured three full-scale wars and countless skirmishes, is now under the looming threat of rescission. The extremist regime in India is playing the blame game (as always), trying to justify its usurping mindset—one it has displayed toward the beautiful valley of Kashmir and its people for the past 75 years. And amid all this politics, it is the common people who continue to face oppression.
If India unilaterally ends this 65-year-old treaty, 36.1% of Pakistan’s population and 46.1% of India’s population—both reliant on agriculture—will suffer immensely. Organizations that champion harmony and liberalism must play a pivotal role in halting such hostile acts. As a third party to the IWT, the World Bank should intervene.
Pakistan could have made a mountain out of a molehill over several terror attacks in Balochistan and other regions. Yet, as a state, it chose the path of diplomacy—from Operation Swift Retort to the state’s response to the Jafar Express attack. Despite public discontent rooted in governance issues, Pakistan has made responsible choices, controlling terrorism internally rather than shifting blame.
In a region already fraught with political tension and fragile livelihoods, water must remain a bridge, not a battleground. The Indus Waters Treaty is more than a document—it is a lifeline, a symbol of resilience, and a rare testament to cooperation between rivals. Undermining it for short-term political gain would not only endanger millions of lives but also push the subcontinent toward an environmental and humanitarian crisis.
True leadership lies not in flexing power, but in preserving peace. The need of the hour is dialogue, diplomacy, and above all, empathy—for the farmer in Punjab, the shepherd in Kashmir, and every common soul whose life flows with these rivers. Let us not turn the currents of history against those who have always toiled with its tides.
Author: Syed Sohaib Kirmani
He is a media graduate from Beaconhouse National University with a strong background in conventional and digital media, public relations, and content creation. As a seasoned writer, his articles have attracted over millions of views, showcasing his command over both Urdu and English. With hands-on experience in journalism, including roles at Express News and Far Media, he brings a unique blend of academic insight and field expertise to his writing.
