Social media is abuzz with videos being shared by Pakistani citizens and reports by the country’s media which claim India has released water into the Jhelum River without prior intimation, which has caused sudden flooding near Chakothi in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Residents along the riverbanks have started panicking and fleeing to safer locations.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) witnessed panic on Saturday after a sudden, alarming rise in the River Jhelum’s water levels triggered emergency alerts across Muzaffarabad. From the Chakothi border to Muzaffarabad city, there is a growing fear as the river swelled rapidly. Villages like Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta and Majhoi which are located along the riverbanks are experiencing panic, with residents trying to vacate to safer areas.

Pakistan calls it retaliation by India

Pakistani authorities have issued warnings, calling this a part of India’s retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this week, which left 26 Indian citizens dead.

As per media reports, a sudden torrent flowed from India’s Anantnag district through Chakothi. Social media is buzzing videos from PoK, showing the river Jhelum raging.

“India’s reckless release of excess water into the Jhelum River from Anantnag has dangerously raised water levels, threatening lives and livelihoods downstream. India should be dealt with accordingly and stop this water terrorism,” tweeted a social media user from Pakistan sharing visuals of swelling Jhelum water.

India’s reckless release of excess water into the Jhelum River from Anantnag has dangerously raised water levels, threatening lives and livelihoods downstream. India should be dealt with accordingly and stop this water terrorism. pic.twitter.com/4ePSxL2Uc4

— Jannat Bilal Mustafa Khar (@jannat_khar) April 26, 2025

India ignores allegation

However, Indian authorities are yet to comment on these allegations, ignoring Islamabad’s claims of retaliation. The situation has created uncertainty and concern among the affected communities. The sharp rise in water levels has caused fear among people living near the river, who are anxious about potential damage and displacement.

The lack of communication between the two countries have only enhanced the tension, with disputes over water sharing being a part of India-Pakistan bilateral history.

PM Modi roars in Bihar, vows punishment for terrorists

This comes just a couple of days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that India will “trace and punish every terrorist and their backers” of the Pahalgam terror attack. The prime minister who launched a bunch of projects in the state ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections, roared saying “terrorism will not go unpunished” and justice will be served.

“Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done. The entire nation is one in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering in Bihar’s Madhubani district.

Pakistan PM eager for “neutral and transparent” investigation into Pahalgam attack

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed that he is eager to participate in a “neutral and transparent” investigation into the Pahalgam attacks.

Shehbaz made the remarks while addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul. He said, “The recent tragedy in Pahalgam is yet another example of this perpetual blame game, which must come to a grinding halt. Continuing with its role as a responsible country, Pakistan is open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”

The Pakistani Prime Minister’s remarks came after India announced suspension of the Indus Water Treaty along with several other punitive measures against Pakistan for its role in the Pahalgam terror against.

How India Suspending Indus Waters Treaty will affect Pakistan?

Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 which claimed 26 lives, India responded by suspending the Indus Water Treaty. The Indus Water Treaty is a key agreement between India and Pakistan, which governs water sharing from rivers flowing through both countries. Any changes or violations can lead to severe consequences for both the countries.

Kushvinder Vohra, Former Chairman of the Central Water Commission, pointed out India is no longer obligated to share information with Pakistan as mentioned in the treaty, which will affect the neighbouring country.

“With the treaty placed in abeyance, the Indian government is no longer obligated to share information regarding water storage levels or flow in the rivers of the Indus River System with Pakistan. During monsoon, India will not provide Pakistan with any updates on flood situations within the Indus River System,” Mr Vohra told NDTV.

He said India can also revoke the treaty if Pakistan’s stance remains negative. In the meantime, India can work on developing water storage infrastructure within the Indus River System, he suggests.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory to the pact. The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of the waters of a number of cross-border rivers.

Under the agreement governing six common rivers, all the water of the eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi amounting to around 33 million acre feet (MAF) annually – has been allocated to India for unrestricted use while the waters of western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab – amounting to around 135 MAF annually have been assigned largely to Pakistan.

According to the treaty, India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through run of the river projects on the western rivers subject to specific criteria for design and operation.

The Treaty also gives the right to Pakistan to raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers.