This event was held virtually on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 8:00 AM – 11:00 am EST; 5:00 – 8:00 PM in Pakistan; 5:30 – 8:30 PM in India.
The second workshop explored the evolution of water-sharing practices in the Indus Basin, focusing on the historical development of irrigation systems, current challenges to water diplomacy, and the role of climate change in transforming diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan.
Distinguished Speakers and Presentation Topics:
- Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor, Karakorum International University, Pakistan, expert in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Sustainable Built Environment:
Presentation Topic: Climate Impacts on Indus Basin Water Resources - Threats and Opportunities. - Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar, Political Science Professor and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Director, China Study Center, University of Peshawar, Pakistan:
Presentation Topic: Regional Geo-Political Dynamics and the Indus Water Treaty. - Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Professor and Director, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan, expert in International Relations:
Presentation Topic: Indus Basin Water Resources: Upper Riparian Advantageous Puzzle. - Dr. Dan Haines, Previous Speaker:
Presentation Topic: Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty Negotiations. - Dr. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Previous Speaker:
Presentation Topic: Climate Change and Cryo-Hydro-Climatic Influences. - Shafqat Kakakhel, Retired Pakistani Diplomat, former Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi, and former UN Official:
Presentation Topic: Exploring Bilateral Diplomatic Initiatives: Insights from a Former Senior Pakistani Diplomat. - David Gilmartin, Professor, Department of History, North Carolina State, author of "Empire and Islam," expert in Asian and World History:
Presentation Topic: Historical Context of the Indus Basin Water Sharing. - Dr. Srinivas Chokkakula, President and Chief Executive of the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, expert in the broader area of Politics of Infrastructure Development, Senior Fellow and MoJS (Ministry of Jal Shakti) Research Chair at Centre for Policy Research (CPR):
Presentation Topic: Methodologies for Conflict Analysis and Adaptability of Agreements. - Joydeep Gupta, Director of the Third Pole Project, Internews, Environmental Journalist:
Presentation Topic: Media and the Indus Water Treaty. - Parineeta Dandekar, Associate Coordinator at South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP):
Presentation Topic: Eco-Cultural Narrative of the Indus Basin. - Zofeen Ebrahim, Freelance Journalist based in Karachi, former Pakistan Editor of The Third Pole:
Presentation Topic: Media and the Indus Water Treaty.
Workshop Summary:
Session 1: Historical and Diplomatic Context
David Gilmartin explored the British colonial roots of the Indus irrigation system, noting how the British aimed to expand water availability by creating a vast network of canals. He argued that this policy of spreading water "thinly and widely" created inefficiencies that persist to this day. Shafqat Kakakhel, a former senior Pakistani diplomat, discussed the evolution of bilateral diplomatic efforts, particularly around hydropower projects, and emphasized the need for stronger mechanisms to address climate change impacts within the framework of the IWT.
Session 2: Conflict Analysis and Agreement Adaptability
Dr. Srinivas Chokkakula presented new methodologies for analyzing transboundary water conflicts, emphasizing the importance of considering both conflict and cooperation as coexisting elements in water-sharing dynamics. He critiqued the reliance on legal frameworks, suggesting that political and institutional adaptability is crucial for managing future water-sharing disputes. Prof. Attaullah Shah focused on the impacts of climate change in the Upper Indus Basin, particularly the delayed snowfall and northward shift of monsoon patterns, which pose significant threats to agriculture and water availability.
Session 3: Regional Geo-Political Dynamics
Prof. Zahid Anwar highlighted the geopolitical dimensions of the IWT, including concerns over Indian hydropower projects and China’s influence in the region. He stressed that regional cooperation is essential to addressing future water security challenges. Prof. Zafar N. Jaspal discussed the importance of trust-building measures between India and Pakistan, noting the shared vulnerabilities of both nations to climate change and the potential for cooperation over mutual security threats.
Session 4: Media, Culture, and Water Narratives
Joydeep Gupta analyzed the media’s role in shaping public perceptions of the IWT, pointing out that Pakistani media often frames India as a water aggressor, while Indian media tends to underreport the treaty’s significance. Parineeta Dandekar argued for incorporating "eco-cultural narratives" into water diplomacy, highlighting the spiritual and cultural connections that people in the region have with rivers. Dr. Dan Haines returned to the discussion on Kashmir, exploring how water-sharing negotiations have always been tied to broader sovereignty disputes. Zofeen Ebrahim critiqued the shallow media coverage of transboundary water issues, calling for more nuanced reporting that focuses on cooperation rather than conflict.
For questions related to this event, contact Fazlul Haq at haq.47@osu.edu.