The Indus River, stretching 3,180 km, is the world’s fifth longest and a vital transboundary water source.
Originating in the mountain springs of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush, it flows through Western Tibet, Ladakh in the disputed Kashmir region and Gilgit-Baltistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
The Indus delta spans approximately 41,440 km², with an average discharge of 5,533 m³/s at the delta and 2,469 m³/s (87,200 CFT/s) at Tarbela.
Known officially as “Daryae Sind,” the river is also called “Abasin” (Father of Rivers) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Punjab.
It bears many regional names, including Tibet Darya, Sange Chu, Nelab and Sar Darya.
In Lower and Upper Kohistan and Kandia, it is nicknamed “Cobra King” due to its steep depth and limited economic use for locals.
Flowing parallel to the Karakoram Highway (KKH) from Raikote to Thakot, it divides multiple districts.
This article focuses on the Indus from its source to the Tarbela Dam.
Major tributaries in Ladakh include Gynanigh, Simgi and Sanpo, while Shyok, Hunza, Gilgit, Zanskar and Suru join in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Abasin Kohistan, key contributors include Koi, Palas, Bar Palas, Pattan, Kayal, Zaid Kar, Ashori, Shatyal, Harban and Kandya.
Seasonal streams like Jalkote, Sumar and Sazine also feed into the Indus.
The Indus is Pakistan’s lifeline, fueling both the agricultural and energy sectors.
It irrigates vast areas across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh and supports biodiversity, including the world’s largest mangrove forests, various bird and fish species and the endangered Indus Dolphin.
According to a UN report, an estimated $10 billion worth of gold is also present in the riverbed.
Tarbela Dam, Pakistan’s largest multipurpose dam on the Indus, generates 6,418 MW of hydroelectricity with a gross water storage capacity of 11.6 MAF (9.7 MAF usable).
The under-construction Diamer-Basha Dam will add another 4,800 MW with a gross capacity of 8.10 MAF.
The Dasu Dam, expected to become operational in 2027, will produce 2,160 MW in its first phase, eventually reaching 4,320 MW.
However, India’s growing control over the Indus poses serious threats.
Contrary to the belief that halting the Indus flow is beyond India’s capacity, India has developed a master plan to significantly reduce Pakistan’s share.
It includes constructing 10 multipurpose hydropower dams—such as Achanthak, Saijik, Parhila, Sant (Batalik) and Khalsati—aimed at drastically cutting the river’s downstream flow to an estimated 23 MAF (as noted by hydrologist Irshad A.Abbasi).
The unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in April 2025 is a grave concern.
It threatens to devastate Pakistan’s agriculture, increase water scarcity and create flood risks in the event of sudden dam releases.
India’s technical expertise and allocated funds make this threat credible and urgent.
The strategic and environmental consequences of ignoring the IWT’s disruption could prove disastrous for Pakistan.
—The writer is former Deputy Director General, PCRET, Islamabad.
