Lahore, Dec 28: Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Iftikhar Ali Malik, on Sunday urged the international community to play an active role in ensuring the immediate restoration and full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that continued violations could threaten peace and economic stability in South Asia.
In a statement issued here, the veteran and widely respected trade leader said the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, remains one of the most important pillars of regional cooperation and stability. He emphasized that India must desist from the “weaponisation of water,” uphold international law and honour its treaty commitments in letter and spirit.
“Water is a basic human right and a shared natural resource. Using it as a political tool violates international norms and erodes trust between neighbouring countries,” Malik said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s heavy dependence on the Indus river system, he warned that any disruption in water flows could have serious consequences for agriculture, food security and the livelihoods of millions of people. He stressed that peace, trade and economic development in South Asia are deeply interconnected and cannot thrive in an environment marked by uncertainty and coercion.
Malik called on the United Nations, the World Bank and other international stakeholders to take proactive steps to safeguard the treaty through impartial monitoring and effective enforcement mechanisms. He said the continued success of the Indus Waters Treaty stands as a model for resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, Malik reiterated that dialogue, mutual respect and strict adherence to international agreements are essential for sustainable peace and long-term stability in the region. He emphasized that cooperation, rather than confrontation, remains the only viable path forward for South Asia’s progress and prosperity.