21% Water Shortage Expected in Pakistan after Indus Waters Treaty held in abeyance | Pahalgam Attack

Tension and panic in Pakistan due to India’s bold moves in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance causes a widespread shortage of water in Pakistan. 

The Pakistani government released a press statement informing the farmers about the crisis on May 05. The Indus River System Authority Advisory Committee (IAC) reviewed the water situation in Pakistan. It noted concern after a sudden decrease in river Chenab inflows due to short supply by India: Press Release.

The farmers in large numbers are expected to face water shortages during early and late Kharif seasons. IAC declared an overall shortage of 21 percent for the remaining early kharif if “supplied from Chenab remain normal.” However, the water level in the Chenab River witnessed a significant drop after India closed the gates of the Baghlihar and Salal dams.

These developments came after a terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam killed over 26 innocents. The Government of India took strong retaliatory measures, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.