India Approves Hydropower Project on Chenab River, Raising Concerns Over Water Aggression

Islamabad – India has once again intensified what Pakistan describes as water aggression by approving a hydropower project on the Chenab River, a move seen as a clear violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

The decision has triggered serious concern in Pakistan, with officials and political leaders warning that the project undermines Pakistan’s internationally recognized water rights and could further escalate regional tensions.

Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President and Senator Sherry Rehman strongly condemned India’s action, stating that the Dul Hasti Stage-II hydropower project is a blatant breach of the Indus Waters Treaty. She said the project represents a direct attack on Pakistan’s agreed water rights and is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Sherry Rehman emphasized that any unilateral suspension or violation of the Indus Waters Treaty is against international law and global norms. She warned that the project could pose serious threats to Pakistan’s water security, agricultural system, and environmental balance.

She further noted that the Dul Hasti project could also be detrimental to Pakistan from a defense and strategic perspective, alleging that India is using water as a weapon to fuel instability and tension in the region, which poses a grave risk to regional peace.

Highlighting sudden and unusual reductions in the flow of the Chenab River, Sherry Rehman said these developments are clear evidence of India’s water aggression. She stressed that the Indus Waters Treaty is an internationally guaranteed agreement and not subject to the unilateral will of any single country.

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, she declared that water is Pakistan’s red line and no compromise will be made on this issue. She warned that continued violations could lead to serious consequences and said Pakistan will raise India’s breaches of the treaty effectively at international forums.