Fri Sep 05 04:39:55 UTC 2025: **Pakistan Blames India for Deadly Floods, Experts Point to Climate Change**
Islamabad, Pakistan – As catastrophic monsoon floods devastate Pakistan for the second time in three years, killing hundreds and displacing millions, Pakistani authorities are blaming India for deliberately releasing excess water from dams, exacerbating the crisis. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal accused India of “water aggression,” claiming New Delhi released water into rivers that flow into Pakistan without timely warnings.
However, water experts are casting doubt on these claims, arguing that attributing the floods solely to India is an oversimplification. They emphasize the role of climate change and aging infrastructure in the unprecedented flooding on both sides of the border.
“The Indian decision to release water from their dam has not caused flooding in Pakistan,” stated Daanish Mustafa, a professor of critical geography at King’s College London. He explained that India is also facing its own severe flooding, making it illogical to intentionally flood Pakistan.
Both nations rely on Himalayan glaciers to feed their rivers, and this year’s melting glaciers combined with an intense monsoon season have pushed river levels to dangerous heights. Experts highlight that the parameters used to design dams are now outdated due to climate change. Dams must release excess water when their capacity is exceeded to prevent structural failure.
While the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) obligates India to share water flow data, experts emphasize Pakistan’s need for improved monitoring and real-time data systems. Shiraz Memon, a former Pakistani representative on the IWT commission, noted that India has shared flood warnings.
Analysts warn that the blame game risks diverting attention from the underlying issues of climate change and domestic failures in flood mitigation. As academic Mustafa stated, blaming India is an “easy way out to relinquish responsibility” instead of addressing the real causes of the crisis.
First Piper 