Pakistan Faces Water Shortage as Flow in Chenab and Jhelum Rivers Drops, Islamabad Blames India

Pakistan is witnessing a growing water crisis as the flow in rivers originating from India, including the Chenab and Jhelum, has significantly declined, impacting irrigation and agriculture in multiple regions. Islamabad has officially blamed India for restricting water release, intensifying tensions between the two neighbours over shared water resources.

According to the Pakistan Ministry of Water Resources, satellite imagery from December 8 indicated a significant reduction in water levels at the Baglihar reservoir, which further dropped by December 13. Pakistani officials allege that the fluctuations in the reservoir suggest India may have temporarily restricted water release before refilling the dam, affecting downstream irrigation systems.

Impact on Agriculture

Authorities reported that the Jhelum River is also experiencing reduced flow due to intermittent restrictions by Indian authorities. The decreased water availability has adversely affected over 1.5 million acres of agricultural land in Pakistan, disrupting wheat and other crop cultivation across Punjab and Sindh provinces.

Sindh’s Water Commissioner, Syed Mehr Ali Shah, highlighted that water flow from India’s upper reaches to the Mangla Dam is inconsistent, leaving downstream farmlands with either limited or no irrigation water. “We are monitoring the Jhelum’s flow closely,” Shah said, emphasizing that Pakistan has already sent a formal communication to India regarding the Chenab River flow and is awaiting a response.

Pakistan’s Official Response

The Ministry stated that the irregular flow in the Chenab river has temporarily stabilized after a period of fluctuation, but the situation underscores the vulnerability of Pakistan’s water-dependent agriculture to upstream control. Shah further warned that Pakistan will continue to raise objections whenever upstream water restrictions occur, asserting that India’s management of shared rivers directly affects livelihoods and food security.