Pakistan Slams India’s Rejection of Indus Treaty as Illegal

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan on Sunday issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s categorical rejection of restoring the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a “flagrant violation of international law” and a direct assault on the sanctity of binding global agreements.

In a sharply worded statement, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan criticized India’s stance as a dangerous precedent that challenges the core principles of international treaties and legal obligations. “The Indus Waters Treaty is not a political arrangement, but an internationally binding accord that cannot be unilaterally altered or suspended,” the FO spokesperson stated.

Signed in 1960 with the World Bank as guarantor, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the distribution of water from six rivers between India and Pakistan. It has long been considered a cornerstone of water cooperation despite broader political tensions between the two countries.

Terming Amit Shah’s comments as a “brazen disregard for international agreements,” the FO warned that India’s move to hold the treaty “in abeyance” and refuse to meet its treaty obligations jeopardizes the credibility of international frameworks and raises serious concerns about India’s reliability as a treaty partner.

Accusations of Weaponizing Water Pakistan went further to accuse India of “weaponizing water for political ends,” calling it a highly irresponsible and provocative step that undermines the norms of responsible state conduct.

“Turning water into a political weapon is not only reckless but violates well-established principles of international law,” the statement read. The FO urged New Delhi to immediately withdraw its unilateral and unlawful position and return to the “full and unhindered implementation” of the treaty.

Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to IWT

Reiterating its own commitment, Pakistan vowed to uphold the treaty and defend its water rights through all possible means — including diplomatic and legal channels.

“Pakistan remains fully committed to the Indus Waters Treaty and will take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights under international law,” the Foreign Office affirmed. The statement concluded with a call for all responsible states to respect international commitments, adding that such obligations are essential for maintaining global order and peaceful inter-state relations.

Shah’s Controversial Remarks

The diplomatic row was triggered by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in an interview with The Times of India on Saturday. When asked whether the Indus Waters Treaty could ever be restored, Shah responded unequivocally: “No, it will never be restored.”

He went on to say that the water flowing to Pakistan would instead be diverted to India’s Rajasthan state through a new canal system. “Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably,” Shah declared.

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism in Pakistan, with analysts warning that the politicization of a long-standing water treaty could escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.