Pakistan in Panic Over Chenab Water Shortage; Food Security at Risk Amid India Dispute

Islamabad / Punjab: Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis as the Chenab River’s flow becomes unpredictable, raising fears of a looming food shortage. Senior officials from Pakistan’s Punjab Irrigation Department have described the situation as “truly alarming,” warning that the country may soon struggle to provide even a single loaf of bread to its citizens.

Rising Tensions Over Indus Water Treaty

The crisis comes after India’s recent decision to postpone certain provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, prompting Pakistan to accuse India of violating the agreement. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, confirmed that a formal letter was sent to India seeking clarification about sudden changes in the Chenab River’s flow.

Water Shortages Hit Agriculture Hard

The Punjab Irrigation Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that India’s management of upstream dams has caused abrupt fluctuations in river flow. “At times, water is released suddenly without prior notice, while other times it is withheld for several days, leaving downstream areas critically short,” the official said.

Farmers in different regions of Punjab are already witnessing severe crop damage. Wheat fields, which depend heavily on canal water, are drying up. Many villagers now have to buy water from private tubewell operators due to insufficient supply from official canals.

Threat to Food Security and Livelihoods

Spokesperson Andrabi emphasized that any manipulation of river flows, especially during critical agricultural periods, directly threatens the livelihoods of Pakistani farmers, the nation’s food supply, and economic stability. He appealed to the international community to take note of India’s repeated disregard for the bilateral treaty and urged India to act responsibly in accordance with international law and established norms.

As tensions rise, Pakistan’s agricultural sector faces a precarious situation, and the water crisis in the Chenab basin could escalate into a serious humanitarian and political challenge if not addressed promptly.