Controversy as India's Dam Action Floods Pakistan and Puts Own Areas at Risk

Reports and numerous on-the-ground videos indicate that India, allegedly in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty and without Pakistan's consent, initiated what some are calling its "first offensive" using "dam weapons." Following the reported closure of water gates at four dams, effectively cutting off several tributaries of the Indus River flowing into Pakistan for several days, India has now purportedly opened the floodgates without prior notification. This sudden release of water into the Jhelum River has led to flash floods in eastern Pakistan along the riverbanks.

Interestingly, this alleged act of releasing water by India appears to be a double-edged sword. The dam in question is reportedly not located directly on the India-Pakistan border. Consequently, this sudden discharge of water has also put northern Indian regions along the Jhelum River at risk of being engulfed by the floods. Local residents fear that continued water releases by India could significantly worsen the situation along the riverbanks.

However, some analysts suggest that this sudden release might not have been a deliberate act of aggression by India. They propose that India's alleged "water cut-off retaliation" against Pakistan occurred so abruptly that Indian authorities had no contingency plans in place. As a result, the reservoir quickly reached its capacity, leaving them with no choice but to release water "passively." Regardless of the intent, the "dam weapon" has demonstrated significant impact, and repeated instances of such "water releases" could pose a severe threat to the livelihoods of people living along the Pakistani riverbanks.