KARACHI, Mar 04 (APP):Citizens in Karachi on Wednesday strongly criticised India’s decision to place the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, terming the move unjustified and against the spirit of bilateral agreements.
In conversations with APP, residents from different walks of life expressed concern over what they described as an attempt to politicise a vital lifeline shared by millions.
Hafeez, a schoolteacher, said water was a basic necessity and should never be used as a tool of pressure. He maintained that agreements between countries must be honoured in both letter and spirit, adding that unilateral decisions only deepen mistrust in the region.
Sadia Rahman, a homemaker residing in Clifton, said ordinary people suffer the most when tensions rise between states. She remarked that rivers were a blessing of nature and could not be “switched on and off” at will, urging restraint and dialogue instead of confrontation.
A screenplay writer Naeem Ali, observed that such actions created unnecessary fear among citizens. He said Pakistan had every right to safeguard its share of water and called upon the international community to take notice of what he termed an irresponsible step.
A university student Ismail described the development as disappointing, saying the treaty had survived wars and political upheavals in the past. He added that undermining longstanding agreements sent a negative message about regional stability.
Ali Gul, a retired government officer said the move reflected a disregard for mutual respect between neighbouring countries. He expressed confidence that Pakistan would respond through diplomatic and legal channels while safeguarding national interests.
The residents collectively stressed that rivers connected people across borders and should serve as a source of cooperation rather than conflict. They called for adherence to international commitments and peaceful engagement to ensure regional harmony and stability.