Pakistan is confronting a significant threat to its kharif (summer) crop sowing season due to a sharp decline in water storage at its two primary dams—Mangla on the Jhelum River and Tarbela on the Indus River. This situation has been exacerbated by India's recent tightening of control over the Chenab River's water flow, following a terror attack in Pahalgam that was reportedly backed by Pakistan.
Water Shortage: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) of Pakistan has reported a 21% overall water shortage, with live storage in the Mangla and Tarbela dams dropping by about 50%.
Impact on Agriculture: The provinces of Punjab and Sindh, which rely heavily on the Indus and its western tributaries for irrigation, are particularly vulnerable. The reduced water availability threatens the timely sowing of kharif crops, which is crucial for Pakistan’s agricultural output and food security.
Diplomatic Concerns: In response to the crisis, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the issue at a glacier preservation conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, urging international attention to India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
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