Pakistan Alleges India Disrupting Jhelum, Neelum River Flows Amid Indus Treaty Freeze

Pakistan has raised fresh allegations against India, claiming that the flow of water in the Jhelum and Neelum rivers has been abruptly disrupted, intensifying tensions following India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The claims come days after Islamabad flagged a sudden fluctuation in the Chenab river’s flow, describing the situation as “serious and alarming”.

According to a report in The Dawn, Pakistani authorities have observed a sharp decline in inflows into the Mangla Dam on the Jhelum river, with water levels reportedly dropping to around 3,000 cusecs from more than 5,000 cusecs in recent weeks. Similar concerns have been raised over the Neelum river, which also flows into Pakistan from Indian-administered territory.

Pakistan has claimed that the timing of the reduced flows is particularly concerning as it coincides with the Rabi sowing season, warning that water shortages could impact agriculture and livelihoods across large parts of Punjab province. Officials estimate that nearly 15 million acres of irrigated land are currently receiving reduced or no canal water supply.

The Jhelum river is a key agricultural lifeline for Pakistan, with its waters regulated primarily through the Mangla Dam and Rasul Barrage. These systems support irrigation across the Chaj Doab region and surrounding agricultural zones.

Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner, Syed Mehr Ali Shah, said that while Islamabad has formally written to India regarding fluctuations in the Chenab river, the Jhelum situation is currently under daily observation. “We will take the matter further after receiving India’s response on the Chenab issue,” he said.

India has not officially responded to the allegations concerning either the Chenab or Jhelum rivers. In the past, Indian experts have maintained that variations in river flows can occur due to seasonal changes, rainfall patterns, and reservoir management.

The latest accusations come against the backdrop of India’s decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty following the April terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The treaty, which had survived wars and diplomatic crises for over six decades, allocates the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum and Chenab—to Pakistan, while India retains rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.

Pakistan has repeatedly warned that any deliberate disruption of water flows would be viewed as an “act of war,” further escalating already strained bilateral relations.