ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the recent endorsement by the World Bank of its continued role as supervisory body under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirming Pakistan’s trust in the institution’s impartiality and expertise. The risk of rising tensions over water sharing with India reinforced the importance of the World Bank’s neutral involvement.
At a press briefing, the prime minister emphasised that the IWT remains the cornerstone of bilateral cooperation on water management and that the World Bank’s engagement ensures equitable implementation of treaty provisions. He praised the institution for upholding its duty to facilitate technical coordination, support dispute resolution, and prevent potential escalation of water-related conflicts.
Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the treaty’s framework, highlighting plans to modernise irrigation infrastructure, enhance efficient water usage, and invest in joint water monitoring projects. He signalled readiness for constructive dialogue with India, based on treaty principles and international law.
Agriculture and water resources experts welcomed the World Bank’s reaffirmation, noting that sustained multilateral oversight under the IWT boosts confidence in downstream water management and strengthens regional stability.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.