LAHORE:“The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has endured despite three wars between India and Pakistan, making it one of the most successful trans-boundary water-sharing agreements in the world. For Pakistan, the Treaty is of vital importance, as the country’s agriculture and economy heavily depends on the waters of Indus basin”.
These observations were made during a seminar “Indus Water Treaty: Pakistan’s Water Security and Role of Field Marshal Asim Munir”. The seminar was jointly organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society, Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) and Khushhal Pakistan.
The event featured Federal Minister for Water Resources Kazim Pirzada as chief guest with Hina Pervez Butt, Chairperson of Punjab Women Protection Authority and MPA as guest of honour. Major (r) Khanzada M Ali, President of PESS KP, delivered the opening remarks, while Aziz Ahmad Awan, Convener of Khushhal Pakistan and Chief Organizer of PESS, co-hosted the session.
Other speakers included Suleman Najib Khan (Convener, Water Resource Development Council), Dr Zainab Ahmed (Assistant Professor, Beaconhouse National University), Prof Dr Muhammad Atiq-ur-Rehman Tariq (Director, Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, UET), Shahid Hamid (Advisor Hydrology and Water Management, Wapda), Mahmood Bhatti (International Fashion Designer), Raees Ansari (Bureau Chief, Geo News Lahore), Prof Dr Muneeba Iftikhar (Dean Research Faculty, LCWU), Prof Dr Akhtar Sandhu (Principal, Islamia College), Khizar Abbas (Chairman Avisi Group), Rahimuddin Naeem (CEO RMRSCO), Usman Qureshi (Director Land) and Mohib Hussain (CEO 9Keys Group).
Federal Minister for Water Resources Kazim Pirzada emphasised Pakistan’s strong response to India’s water aggression. He stressed the need for national unity to address water disputes. He highlighted importance of Kalabagh Dam for Pakistan’s economy and called for academic discussions on water management.
He urged exposing India’s water-related violations, stressing the need for long-term water planning. Hina Pervez Butt underscored water security as a national security issue, linking it to economic stability, environmental protection and social justice. Aziz Ahmad Awan credited Gen Asim Munir for restoring global confidence in Pakistan, attracting IMF support and foreign investment. He warned against negative propaganda targeting Pakistan’s military leadership.
Major (r) Khanzada Muhammad Ali pointed out Sindh is the most affected province by water disputes, and stressed urgency of constructing Kalabagh Dam to tackle floods and generate 4000MW of electricity. He criticised past governments for neglecting water infrastructure.
Suleman Najib Khan lamented Pakistan’s water mismanagement since 1947, citing failures in establishing a credible water commission and updating groundwater resources. He criticised political interference in dam projects, particularly delays in the Diamer-Bhasha Dam (DBD).
Dr Zainab Ahmed highlighted the Indus Water Treaty’s success, but warned of emerging challenges like water scarcity, climate change and environmental impacts from dam construction. She called for cooperation between India and Pakistan to ensure sustainable water management. Prof Dr Muhammad Atiq-ur-Rehman Tariq accused India’s BJP government of deliberately withholding Pakistan’s water share to destabilise its economy. Shahid Hamid, warned India is violating the Treaty by constructing dams on western rivers and diverting water. He revealed Wapda plans to build a dam on River Chenab near Chiniot within a year, and advocated for dams on the Brahmaputra River to counter India’s violations. Prof Dr Muneeba Iftikhar called for focusing on solutions rather than past mistakes, emphasising water education for children and inter-provincial unity on water issues. Raees Ansari predicted future wars over water and criticised Pakistan’s 90 percent water wastage, urging awareness campaigns in schools. Mehmood Bhatti questioned former governments over unfulfilled dam projects, contrasting Pakistan’s inaction with India’s construction of 31 dams. Prof Dr Akhtar Sandhu termed the Indus Water Treaty as a model of diplomacy and stressed the need for adaptation to climate change and disputes.
Humaira Khan described water as a divine blessing, but lamented Pakistan’s worsening water scarcity, depleting groundwater and contaminated water supplies. Wasif Nagi called for better dam planning, particularly on the Ravi River, and warned of ecological damage from water mismanagement. The seminar concluded with a commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s water security, countering external threats and promoting sustainable water management through national unity and strategic infrastructure development.The seminar was moderated by Hamira Khan, while Wasif Nagi, Chairman Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society, conducted himself as host.