On a mission to record all of Ireland's bird species, many of which are dying out, Irishman Sean Ronayne calls his unique audio archive a tool to both raise alarm and bring hope. India has formally declared that it will never restore the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan, effectively denying Pakistan access to water from the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This water supplied approximately 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural irrigation, making the dispute existential for millions of Pakistanis. The Express Tribune +14, Reuters +14, Al Jazeera +14. India’s Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the water previously destined for Pakistan will instead be diverted to support Indian states like Rajasthan, framing past Pakistani usage as “unjustified”.
Under the treaty, Pakistan maintains usage rights to these rivers. However, India’s declaration to suspend, or hold the treaty in "abeyance"—a move not permitted under the treaty’s binding terms—has already led to reduced flows from the Chenab River, causing a reported 21% water deficit during the critical early Kharif season. A 7% shortfall is projected for late Kharif mint + 1. Indian Defence News + 1.