PoK on Flood Alert as Water Levels Surge, Pakistan Points to India
A sudden and unexpected rise in the water level of the Jhelum River in the Muzaffarabad region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Saturday afternoon has sparked serious alarm. Local residents and Pakistani authorities have alleged that India released water into the river without issuing any prior notice, claiming the act was deliberate.
In light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan suspects that this move is part of India’s strategy to bypass the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The development has prompted authorities across Muzaffarabad to issue warnings.
Residents along the Jhelum River, from the Chakothi border up to Muzaffarabad, observed a sudden spike in water levels and expressed concern over a potential flood threat. The local administration has been placed on high alert, particularly in the Hattian Bala region of PoK, where officials have declared a "water emergency." According to local sources, water levels have significantly risen in Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta, Majoi, and Muzaffarabad.
Considering the severity of the situation, warnings have been announced through mosques, urging residents in low-lying riverbank areas to evacuate immediately to safer locations. “These alerts have created widespread fear and anxiety among riverbank residents,” said a resident of Ghari Dupatta.
Preliminary reports suggest that the water flowed from Anantnag in India into the Chakothi region of PoK.
“This was an unforeseen development. However, considering India's recent warnings about withdrawing from the Indus Waters Treaty, we had anticipated such an occurrence,” said political analyst Javed Siddiqui. Experts warn that India’s action of releasing water into the Jhelum River without informing Pakistan could further intensify the already strained relations between the two countries.
“Despite three wars and numerous regional conflicts between India and Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty has remained intact. But now it appears that India is preparing to exit this long-standing agreement,” Javed Siddiqui stated.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed readiness for an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Reports indicate that countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia are stepping forward to mediate in order to de-escalate tensions between the two nations.