A sudden and unexpected rise in the water level of the Jhelum River in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Saturday afternoon has sparked panic across the region. Pakistani authorities and local residents have blamed India for allegedly releasing water into the river without issuing any prior notice, intensifying tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The abrupt surge, observed from the Chakothi border up to Muzaffarabad, has raised fears of flooding. Authorities in PoK have sounded a high alert, particularly in the Hattian Bala region, where a “water emergency” has been declared. Warnings are being broadcasted through mosques, urging residents in low-lying riverbank areas to evacuate immediately to safer ground.
Local sources confirmed significant water level rises in areas such as Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta, Majoi, and Muzaffarabad. “These alerts have created widespread fear and anxiety among riverbank residents,” said a local resident from Ghari Dupatta.
Pakistani political commentators have linked the development to India’s recent moves surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians.
“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.
Preliminary reports suggest that the sudden water flow originated from Anantnag in India into the Chakothi region of PoK. Experts warn that India’s alleged release of water without prior coordination could further strain the already tense relations between the two nations.
“Despite three wars and numerous conflicts, the Indus Waters Treaty had stood strong. But now it appears India could be preparing to exit this historic agreement,” Siddiqui added.
Meanwhile, in an effort to calm the rising diplomatic tensions, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Reports also suggest that countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia are offering to mediate between India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation.
