Key Takeaways
- The Department of Law and Grand Asian University Sialkot (GAUS) held a seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty.
- The event aimed to discuss the treaty’s implications for the Kashmir conflict under international humanitarian law.
- Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK) collaborated with GAUS in organizing the seminar.
The Department of Law, in conjunction with Grand Asian University Sialkot (GAUS), recently organized a seminar titled 'The Indus Waters Treaty: International Humanitarian Law and Contemporary Challenges – Understanding its Implications for the Kashmir Conflict'.
The seminar was part of an ongoing effort to engage students and young professionals on critical issues related to water sharing agreements in South Asia, particularly as they pertain to the long-standing dispute over Kashmir.
Participants at the event were introduced to the historical context of the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. The treaty aims to regulate the distribution of waters from the Indus River system among the two countries.
Dr. Muhammad Ali, a law professor at GAUS, emphasized the importance of understanding the treaty within the framework of international humanitarian law. He stated, 'The seminar is designed to foster a deeper comprehension of how water disputes can be managed peacefully and ethically.'
The Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK) played a significant role in organizing this event. According to YFK’s President, Ayesha Khan, the forum aims to provide platforms for young voices to contribute to peacebuilding efforts. She noted, 'Our collaboration with GAUS highlights our commitment to engaging youth in discussions that have direct implications on their lives and future.'
The seminar featured presentations from legal experts who highlighted the treaty’s provisions and its relevance to current geopolitical tensions. Attendees were encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue about potential solutions for resolving water-related conflicts.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed interest in international law and regional cooperation. One participant, Hammad Ali, commented, 'This seminar has given me a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in managing shared resources like water.'
GAUS’s Dean of Law, Professor Zafar Iqbal, concluded by stressing the importance of such initiatives in promoting dialogue among stakeholders. He said, 'By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can work towards more informed and effective policy-making on issues related to water sharing.'
'The seminar is designed to foster a deeper comprehension of how water disputes can be managed peacefully and ethically.'
Dr. Muhammad Ali, Law Professor at GAUS
'Our collaboration with GAUS highlights our commitment to engaging youth in discussions that have direct implications on their lives and future.'
Ayesha Khan, President, Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK)
