Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has clarified that India possesses legal rights to River Ravi water under the prevailing treaty between the two countries, which legally binds Pakistan from initiating proceedings against India at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its water usage. During a discussion in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Tarar emphasized that the water treaty between Pakistan and India grants India the right to River Ravi water, prohibiting Pakistan from interfering with its usage. He further stated that pursuing the ICJ on this matter is not legally feasible. The 1960 Indus Water Treaty allocates the waters of Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas to India. Reacting to Tarar’s statement, PTI MNA Zartaj Gul expressed regret over the acknowledgement of India’s rights to River Ravi. In response, the law minister maintained that legal matters should remain apolitical. He reiterated that the treaty was signed in 1960 and that India has expressed its desire to withdraw from it. However, the ICJ has prevented India from doing so, recognizing the potential for conflict over water resources between the two countries. Tarar also highlighted Pakistan’s success in the case of the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project. Meanwhile, The News International has reported, citing Indian media, that India has halted the flow of River Ravi water to Pakistan following the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir border. As per the report, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) will now utilize the previously allocated 1,150 cusecs of water from River Ravi for irrigation purposes in the Kathua and Samba districts, benefiting over 32,000 hectares of land. The Shahpur Kandi barrage project, crucial for irrigation and hydropower generation, has faced challenges over the past three decades but is now nearing completion.
India’s Water Rights on River Ravi Binding Pakistan’s Legal Options
