India Issues Flood Warning Outside Indus Waters Treaty Framework; Pakistan Expresses Concern

Islamabad:India has contacted Pakistan for the first time since recent tensions, alerting authorities to potential flood threats in rivers, but not through the formal Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) mechanism. The Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that the Indian High Commission shared flood warning data with the Government of Pakistan through diplomatic channels.

While the Foreign Office has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, sources indicate concern over India bypassing the Indus Waters Commission, which is the official platform for such communication under the 1960 treaty.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, there is a serious risk of flooding in the Sutlej River due to water being released from India. An official warning has been issued, alerting that low-lying areas could be affected. Twenty-seven relevant ministries and departments have been directed to take immediate precautionary measures.

Diplomatic sources emphasized that the warning came through direct government-to-government contact, not via the Indus Waters Treaty channel, which raises questions about adherence to treaty obligations. The Indus Waters Commission reportedly was not engaged in this communication.

In response, the Foreign Office has shared the flood warning data with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and urged timely preparations. Sources say the Foreign Office also sent a letter of thanks to the Indian government. However, officials noted that bypassing the IWT for such communication is “concerning” and could set a problematic precedent.

Meanwhile, NDMA has issued flood alerts for several rivers and waterways across the country. According to the alert, there is a risk of moderate flooding in the Ravi River over the next 48 hours. Due to heavy rainfall in upstream areas, including the Pir Panjal Range, and increasing water inflow from streams like Bein, Basantar, and Dek, water levels are rising rapidly.

The Thein Dam, at 86% capacity with a height of 1,717 feet, is also releasing water, potentially contributing to a rise in the Ravi River’s flow. At Kot Naina, the river’s discharge has reached 64,000 cusecs, and a moderate flood is expected at Jassar in the next 24 hours.

Low-lying areas in **Sialkot**, **Narowal**, **Kasur**, and surrounding regions are at risk. Residents have been urged to stay away from rivers, canals, and flood-prone zones, and to avoid unnecessary travel.