India Halts Jhelum–Neelum River Flow, Impacting Pakistan’s Economy in 2024
ISLAMABAD / SRINAGAR: India has reportedly halted water flow from the Jhelum–Neelum river system in 2024, triggering concerns in Pakistan over irrigation shortages, hydropower generation, and economic stability linked to critical water resources.
Officials and water-policy analysts warn that disruptions to the cross-border river network—governed under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960—could directly affect Pakistan’s agriculture sector, energy supply, and industrial output.
Strategic Water Pressure Raises Concerns
The Jhelum and Neelum rivers feed into:
Mangla Dam water storage
irrigation networks in Punjab
hydropower operations in Azad Jammu & Kashmir
downstream agricultural zones
Any reduction in supply can fuel:
water scarcity during key crop cycles
power shortages in peak seasons
financial losses for farming communities
Water economists say Pakistan’s GDP exposure to agriculture remains above 20%, making water disruptions an economic threat.
Treaty Implications and Diplomatic Tension
Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India controls eastern rivers while Pakistan controls western rivers such as the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Pakistani experts argue that any attempt to restrict western-river flow violates treaty spirit and may accelerate diplomatic disputes and arbitration inquiries.
A former water expert noted:
“Even temporary stoppages can create economic shock because Pakistan’s irrigation and power planning runs on tight water cycles.”
Hydropower Output at Risk
Reduced flows toward Neelum–Jhelum and Mangla could limit:
electricity generation at hydropower stations
grid support in winter months
industrial production capacity
With Pakistan’s energy sector already facing circular debt, further shortages may translate into higher tariffs and power interruptions.
Agriculture Bears the First Impact
Punjab growers warn that water constraints could disrupt:
wheat
sugarcane
fodder
winter vegetables
Irrigation pressure forces farmers to rely on tube wells, diesel pumps, and expensive groundwater extraction, raising input costs and food inflation risks.
Islamabad Preparing Response
Sources say Pakistan may:
seek clarification through IWT channels
raise objections at the World Bank-facilitated forums
push for neutral expert intervention
coordinate international diplomatic pressure
Authorities stress that water security is national-security policy.
Conclusion
India’s reported halt of Jhelum–Neelum water flow in 2024 has raised alarms across Pakistan’s economic and agricultural sectors. Islamabad is expected to pursue diplomatic and treaty-based remedies as water scarcity threatens growth stability.
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