Untraditional War: Floods, Water, and Pakistan’s Future

 


When we think about war, we often imagine missiles, bombs, and guns. But in today’s world, war can also come in other shapes—through water, economy, or even information. In the case of Pakistan and India, water is becoming a new battlefield.

Natural Flood or Water Terrorism?

Every year, Pakistan faces heavy floods, and often the floodwater comes from India. The big question is: is this only a natural event, or is it a kind of “water terrorism”?

Some people believe it is natural because India informs Pakistan before releasing water from its dams. But still, some important questions arise:

1. According to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India is bound to inform Pakistan before releasing floodwater. But in April 2024, India suspended the treaty from its side. This means India is no longer following the rule of informing Pakistan.

2. Even if India gave notice, why did it wait until the dams were completely full? If India had opened the spillways a few days earlier, the water would have been released slowly. That way, Pakistan would not be hit by a sudden and destructive flood wave. A gradual release could reduce the damage.

3. In today’s modern world, water flow and movement can be tracked within minutes with technology. So the real question is: even if India informed Pakistan on time, what strong system does Pakistan have to protect people from such floods?

4. Earlier in May, India also informed Pakistan before a missile attack. But whether the attack is with fire or with water, just giving notice does not remove the real danger.

The truth is, no one knows when India will attack again with fire—it might be after many years. But a water attack can come again next year.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between Pakistan and India with the help of the World Bank.

It divided the rivers of the Indus River System between the two countries.

Pakistan got control of the three western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.

India got control of the three eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.

India can use water from Pakistan’s rivers only for limited things like farming, drinking, or small power projects. But it cannot block or divert the flow.

By stopping the treaty in April 2024, India has created a big risk for Pakistan. Now it can release water any time, which can turn into a water weapon.

What is the Indus River System?

The Indus River System is a network of rivers connected to the Indus River.

The Indus River starts in Tibet (China), flows through India, enters Pakistan, and ends in the Arabian Sea.

Its five main branches are: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

Together, these six rivers form one of the largest water systems in the world, and they are the lifeline of Pakistan’s agriculture.

Who are NLC and FWO?

When we talk about building water management systems, two big names in Pakistan often come forward:

NLC (National Logistics Cell): A government-run logistics and construction company, working since 1978. It started with transportation but now also works on roads, bridges, and big construction projects.

FWO (Frontier Works Organization): A military-run construction and engineering group, created in 1966. It built the famous Karakoram Highway and works on motorways, dams, and tunnels.

Even if water infrastructure projects are given to NLC or FWO, it is still useful. They may make money, but at least the people of Pakistan will also benefit.

The Real Need: Water Management, Not Just Weapons:

Spending money only on weapons cannot save Pakistan from water threats. If India can attack with water every year, then Pakistan must focus on:

Building better dams and reservoirs to store floodwater.

Creating a strong warning system to inform people in advance.

Making flood channels and drainage systems so that sudden waves of water do not destroy villages and cities.

This is more important than buying more missiles. Because missiles are used rarely, but floods can come every year.

Conclusion:

Water can be a blessing, but in the wrong hands, it can also become a weapon. India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has opened a dangerous chapter for Pakistan. The challenge is not only to defend against missiles but also against sudden water floods.

The solution lies in better water management. Pakistan must invest in infrastructure, dams, and systems that protect people. Even if the contracts go to big organizations like NLC or FWO, at least something positive will come out for the people.

If we do not prepare today, the next “attack” may not come from the sky—but from the rivers.


Blogspot By Syed Azam Ali Shah

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