Pakistan slams India over lack of data after Punjab floods

Pakistan on Friday raised serious concerns over the limited flood-related data shared by India, stating that the information provided this year was far less comprehensive than in previous years.

The statement came as catastrophic floods swept across the country, following India’s decision to open all gates of major dams. Warnings were issued to Pakistan through diplomatic channels, but not via the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) mechanism as required.

Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, during the weekly press briefing, said India bypassed the Indus Water Commissioner’s channel. He urged New Delhi to “fully comply with all provisions of the treaty.”

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the monsoon floods have so far claimed 905 lives since late June, submerging 1,400 villages in Punjab, destroying farmland, and displacing over a million people. Torrents are now moving towards Sindh, raising fears of a looming “super flood” in riverine areas.

The crisis is compounded by India’s earlier decision to suspend its participation in the IWT following unrest in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan rejected the allegations tied to that move, leading to heightened tensions until a ceasefire was reached last week.

In June 2025, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled India had no authority to suspend the treaty unilaterally, reaffirming that the agreement remains binding on both countries.

Signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates the three eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi — to India, and the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — to Pakistan. The treaty has no provision allowing unilateral suspension, making its dispute resolution mechanisms critical during crises such as the current floods.