Azad Kashmir river flow surges amid tensions between India and Pakistan

• Nuclear rivals engaged in tussle over water-sharing pact which regulates flow of water into Pakistan
• District administrator in Muzaffarabad says India ‘released more water than usual into Jhelum River,’ did not confirm new water levels as of 1230GMT

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Water flow surged in a main river in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Saturday, leading to “moderate flooding” and prompting local authorities to warn residents.

In a brief statement, a spokesman for district administration in the capital Muzaffarabad urged local residents to avoid visiting areas near the Jhelum River.

"Due to India releasing more water than usual into the Jhelum River, there is moderate flooding," the spokesman said.

The administration also urged locals to stay away from the river and to keep their livestock from approaching the riverbanks.

Visiting Muzaffarabad, Anadolu correspondent observed a large number of residents gathering on bridges to watch the heavy flow of water passing through the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

However, any reports of damage were not received immediately.

The Jhelum River flows from Indian-administered Kashmir into Azad Kashmir and then Punjab.

As of 1230GMT, no statement had been issued by India over the latest water levels.

The latest development comes after tensions between the two nuclear neighbors rose following an attack on Tuesday by unidentified gunmen in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26 people.

New Delhi described it as a "terror attack" with "cross-border" links, blaming Pakistan.

Islamabad, however, distanced itself from the attack, saying it was "concerned" and extended condolences to the victims' families.

New Delhi later said it will suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, under which the two neighbors regulate the water share of six rivers in the Indus Basin. It also closed the only land crossing between the two countries.

Pakistan announced reciprocal measures, and halted trade including through third parties and closed air space for Indian-owned or operated airlines.

Pakistan said the agreement cannot be unilaterally suspended and warned any attempt by India to divert or stop water to Pakistan would be considered an “act of war.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Islamabad was open to a “neutral” investigation on the recent Kashmir attack and expressed concern over India’s “baseless allegations” following the attack. He said the accusations were made “without credible investigation or verifiable evidence.

Kashmir has been at the heart of the conflict between India and Pakistan, with both claiming it in full and ruling it in part.