Water Security: Challenges of Transboundary Water Issues between Pakistan and India

Abstract

Water security has a direct impact on human security. It is a multidimensional challenge with complex undertones, as water security is both an increasing concern as well as critical for sustainable development. This paper will analyse water security challenges between Pakistan and India in the background of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Mediated by the World Bank, IWT devised a mechanism for an equitable distribution of water between Pakistan and India. However, India has been building a number of dams under the garb of run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects, acquiring the capability to manipulate the flow of water. Unaddressed Pakistani complaints can become a serious source of conflict between India and Pakistan. This paper offers policy recommendations that can lead to an equitable sharing of water and lower the risk of any future conflict in an already fraught relationship between Pakistan and India.