Islamabad – The Ministry of Water Resources has issued a high flood alert following a formal communication from the Indian High Commission, warning of substantial water discharges into Pakistan bound rivers. The notification, delivered via diplomatic channels at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, 27 August 2025, forecasts significantly elevated flows in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, prompting concern over downstream flooding in vulnerable regions.
This is the third flood alert India has sent to Pakistan within a span of just four days amid intensifying monsoon rains. Earlier warnings were issued on 24 August, regarding potential flooding in the Tawi River, and on 25 August, with two notifications concerning rising water levels in the Sutlej River.
According to the latest advisory, high volumes of water are being released from Harike and Ferozepur on the Sutlej, Madhopur on the Ravi, and Akhnoor on the Chenab. These inflows are expected to reach Pakistan within hours, placing several low-lying districts in Punjab including Kasur, Bahawalnagar, Okara, Narowal, and Sialkot at heightened risk.
Authorities have activated emergency protocols and directed district administrations to reinforce embankments, prepare evacuation plans, and remain on alert for rapid developments.
India Issues Warning Outside Treaty Framework
While India has fulfilled its obligation to inform Pakistan of water releases, the communication was issued outside the formal mechanisms of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) the legally binding agreement governing the use and management of shared rivers questions over Indus Water Treaty persist.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for such warnings to be conveyed through the treaty’s institutional channels to ensure structured coordination and data reliability. Pakistani officials argue that communication outside the treaty framework weakens transparency and hampers timely mitigation efforts.
Disaster Response Agencies Mobilized
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with provincial and local authorities, has been placed on high alert. Monitoring systems have been activated to track river flows in real-time, and response teams have been dispatched to areas most likely to be affected.
District administrations have begun issuing public advisories and are preparing to safeguard infrastructure, livestock, and agricultural zones near riverbanks.
Citizens residing in flood-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential movement near rivers, and follow official instructions in case evacuation orders are issued. The Ministry of Water Resources has emphasized the importance of public cooperation as the situation continues to evolve.
With the monsoon season still active and additional water surges possible in the coming weeks, Pakistani authorities stress the urgent need for treaty-based collaboration with India to ensure regional water security and minimize humanitarian risks.
