Yet the Indus is suffering. Parts of the river are drying up. Wealthy landowners are diverting its waters to irrigate their own crops, leaving little water for small farmers.

This story is part of a National Geographic News series on global water issues. Nearly 30 percent of the world's cotton supply comes from India and Pakistan, much of that from the Indus River Valley.

India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire— but New Delhi says the 64- year-old Indus Waters Treaty remains "in abeyance." Water and blood cannot flow together, "Indian Prime Minister ...

What is Indus Water Treaty and why is it so critical for India and Pakistan? - Future of river-sharing treaty that has survived wars, border conflicts and prolonged diplomatic freezes is now under ...

The use of the water is governed by the Indus Waters Treaty, which was mediated by the World Bank and signed by the neighbours in September 1960.

The largest dolphin pod, some 1,000, live in a 90-mile stretch of the Indus between two barrages - a river barrier akin to a dam, but which doesn't trap as much water.

Pakistani filmmaker Wajahat Malik pulled together an expedition to raft down the 2,000-mile river. He hopes to reconnect people with the Indus, which is being threatened by overuse and climate change.