In response to India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Pakistan has announced plans to expedite the construction of key hydropower projects to safeguard its water security and energy needs.

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that the government would prioritize funding and accelerate work on major hydropower initiatives, including the Diamer Bhasha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project. These projects are deemed critical to ensuring long-term water and energy security for the nation.

India’s decision to suspend the IWT follows a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistan. The treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system between the two countries.

Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and views India’s suspension of the treaty as a violation of international agreements. The move has raised concerns about potential water shortages, as Pakistan relies heavily on the Indus River system for agriculture and hydropower generation.

To mitigate the impact, Pakistan is also seeking to strengthen its partnership with China. Beijing has accelerated its involvement in key dam projects in Pakistan, underscoring the strategic cooperation between the two nations amid rising regional tensions.

The Pakistani government emphasizes that these measures are essential to counter India’s “water aggression” and to ensure the nation’s resilience against external pressures. Minister Iqbal also highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort in overcoming these challenges.

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