Pakistan Accuses India of Undermining Water Treaty in UN Talks

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In a recent high-level meeting at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, raised strong concerns over what he called India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The discussion with UN Secretary-General António Guterres centered on regional security, disputed territories, and Pakistan’s broader role in global diplomacy. While Islamabad emphasized multilateral engagement and peaceful resolution of disputes, it simultaneously pushed an assertive diplomatic narrative critical of neighboring India and other perceived external influences.

The Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs water-sharing between Pakistan and India over the Indus River system. Dar accused India of undermining this treaty through unilateral water projects and dam construction, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to regional stability. He urged the UN to enforce international obligations and ensure that agreements like the IWT are honored to prevent potential conflict in South Asia.

Dar also addressed other flashpoints, including the long-standing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, calling it an unresolved issue under international law. He claimed that Pakistan continues to be a victim of “externally sponsored terrorism,” a term often used by Islamabad to accuse Indian intelligence of fomenting unrest inside Pakistani territory. These remarks reflect Pakistan’s persistent attempt to portray itself as both a target and a stabilizing force in the region.

Reinforcing his country’s commitment to global cooperation, Dar stressed Pakistan’s support for multilateralism and the role of the UN in global governance. Citing recent meetings under Pakistan’s current presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC), he pointed to Islamabad’s initiative in promoting dialogue, especially in multilateral platforms like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Among those efforts was a high-level debate on peaceful dispute resolution and UN-OIC coordination, which Pakistan chaired.

About the Middle East, Dar echoed familiar positions: demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, rejecting Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank, and advocating full Palestinian statehood. These statements are consistent with Pakistan’s traditional stance but come at a time when its internal stability remains precarious.

The discussion also touched on global financial matters. Both parties explored strategies for concessional financing and debt relief, especially for countries in the so-called Global South, a loosely defined group of developing nations. Dar endorsed the UN80 initiative, which aims to strengthen the UN’s focus on peace, development, and human rights as it approaches its 80th anniversary.

Notably, Dar welcomed the recent appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Islamophobia, stating Pakistan’s willingness to assist in combating global religious intolerance. This aligns with Islamabad’s ongoing effort to position itself as a spokesperson for the Muslim world on issues of discrimination and identity.

During a separate address at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), Dar announced Pakistan’s goal to transition 60 percent of its energy mix to renewable sources by 2030. Though ambitious, this claim comes amid rising questions about the country’s economic viability and energy infrastructure, both of which have been hampered by years of policy inconsistency and external dependence.

Overall, the meeting served as a platform for Pakistan to reassert its international presence and voice grievances, especially under its temporary leadership role at the UNSC. However, critics argue that while these diplomatic gestures may boost visibility, they often fall short of tangible outcomes. Particularly, Pakistan’s continued focus on externalizing its challenges raises skepticism about its internal priorities and long-term strategic direction under the current government.