India’s Jhelum Water Release Triggers Emergency in Muzaffarabad

In a controversial move, India has unleashed a sudden water release into the Jhelum River without prior notification to Pakistan, following the Pahalgam attack, sparking serious concerns. This has triggered a sharp surge in water levels near Muzaffarabad, forcing the local administration to declare a water emergency in the Hattian Bala region.

The rising waters, surging through the Chakothi area, have caused widespread panic among riverbank residents, with mosque announcements alerting the public to the escalating crisis. The water originated from India-occupied Anantnag, intensifying the situation.

This action comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as India recently threatened to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a decades-old framework for water-sharing that has endured three wars and numerous disputes. Pakistan condemns the move as a violation of international water agreements, accusing India of undermining the longstanding treaty.

In response, Pakistan’s National Security Committee has activated international law measures to counter the situation, issuing a stern warning that further hostile actions by India could escalate tensions and lead to severe geopolitical consequences.