Water may soon do what bullets have not: bring Pakistan to its knees unless it confronts its internal disarray and regains its diplomatic voice.
Pakistan has been entangled in a web of hydropolitics with India for many decades, and this dispute has now entered a decisive phase. Unfortunately, the events leading up to India’s drastic, highly controversial, and illegal actions have been marked by repeated allegations against Pakistan. India, by virtue of its geopolitical clout and international credibility, has consistently enjoyed an upper hand in assigning blame to undermine Pakistan. The absence of a robust democratic framework in Pakistan has further enabled India to exploit the situation.
Over the past few decades, Pakistan has lacked a strong, genuinely elected, and visionary leadership in Islamabad. Voices of reason have remained unheard in the corridors of diplomacy and within the international community.
The lack of political clarity and unity has prevented Pakistan from keeping pace with India, a country that draws strength from its democracy, public support, and electoral mandates.
IWT and Pakistan’s Survival
India’s adherence to the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has been a jugular for Pakistan. India knew it would cut the jugular at any time, bringing Pakistan to its knees.
India diligently waited for the right moment to convince the world that Pakistan sponsored terrorism inside India. It dramatised many previous false flag operations to gain sympathy and ultimately staged the latest Pulwama attack, killing its own 26 innocent citizens.
Energy is a worldwide crisis. The legitimate and visionary governments sensed long ago that water conservation is vital for sustainable energy and the existence of life. It has historically triggered armed conflicts between nations, and it may bring India and Pakistan into armed confrontation if not handled diplomatically. Abrogating this treaty had always been an Indian dream to isolate and undermine Pakistan. Pakistan’s recent economic crises and internal political instability have bolstered India’s plans to manipulate the situation in their favour.
The Imperative for Pakistan
Pakistan’s military establishment needs to recognise the evolving realities facing the nation. A belief in invincibility risks obscuring the serious challenges ahead, particularly the threats posed by climate change. The pursuit of broader ambitions has at times diverted attention from the essential professional duty of defending Pakistan’s geographic boundaries. It is important to reaffirm that the military serves as a vital institution of the state, working alongside others for the nation’s collective strength.
At this critical moment, Pakistan’s military leadership can play an important role in helping to unify the nation by supporting elected representatives and visionary leadership. Strengthening democracy will be key to addressing the crisis and ensuring the country’s water security. Time is limited, and without decisive action, Pakistan could face serious risks to its national security and sovereignty.
There is a need to return to core professional principles with renewed focus. By emphasising their role as protectors rather than participants in political matters, the military can help Pakistan achieve renewed stability and progress.
A comprehensive approach that includes diplomatic engagement, legal avenues, regional cooperation, public awareness, and efforts to build national confidence is essential.
Standing alongside the citizens of Pakistan will not only strengthen the country internally but also secure the respect and trust of its 240 million people.
A Fork in the Road
An old saying, “time and tide wait for none,” still sounds true. The military establishment needs to build a congenial atmosphere countrywide and motivate the public to rally behind an elected and legitimate government. People voted for their favourite candidates only because they knew their trust would be honoured and their elected members would put national pride as a priority.
This event can prove a blessing in disguise for those who silently wished for a face-saving. This is the right time to rally behind your nation and form a legitimate government to get out of this quagmire. Wars are no more fought with guns, they are averted by genuinely elected political leaders who have the trust and support of the nation.
Every moment wasted brings Pakistan closer to an irreversible catastrophe.
