This summary notes that India's holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty in April last year represents a grave departure from the treaty's legal and historical framework. No provision of the treaty permits unilateral suspension, modification, or abeyance, and such action amounts to weaponizing water for narrow political gains, threatening the lifelines of millions who rely on the Indus basin. At a high level World Water Day event on the theme of Water and Gender Equality, Second Secretary Aleena Majeed delivered Pakistan's right of reply in response to remarks by the Indian representative. The reply framed the action as a violation of international law and a breach of trust that jeopardizes regional cooperation, calling for adherence to the treaty and accountability. It linked water governance to development and gender-responsive access to water, underscoring the need to protect essential water rights and to uphold the rights of affected communities.
