China Accelerates Dam Project to Support Pakistan Amid Indus Water Treaty Suspension by India

In a significant geopolitical development, India has suspended the historic Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan following a surge in cross-border terrorist activities, including the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam. In retaliation, New Delhi halted visa services for Pakistani nationals and put the water-sharing agreement, established in 1960 with World Bank mediation, on hold.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the suspension will continue until Pakistan ceases providing safe haven to internationally designated terrorist groups and individuals operating against India.

Facing a potential water crisis due to the suspension, Pakistan has turned to its long-standing ally, China, for support. Responding swiftly, China has pledged to expedite the construction of the Mohmand Dam in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The dam, part of the larger Mohmand Hydropower Project on the Swat River, is being developed by the China Energy Engineering Corporation since 2019.

Originally slated for completion next year, the dam is now being fast-tracked to address Pakistan’s urgent water needs. Once completed, it will serve multiple functions including irrigation, flood control, drinking water supply, and power generation.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported, “This dam construction will prove to be a milestone for Pakistan’s major national projects which are progressing at a rapid pace.”

The Mohmand Dam is being hailed as a crucial solution to mitigate the expected shortfall in water availability following the treaty’s suspension. This development underscores the deepening strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan, especially as tensions rise in the South Asian region over water security and terrorism.