Experts Assert Indus Water Treaty Cannot Be Unilaterally Suspended

Following India’s announcement of strict diplomatic actions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam incident, seasoned diplomats and specialists have stated that New Delhi lacks the authority to unilaterally suspend or revoke the Indus Water Treaty, which was facilitated by the World Bank in 1960.

These measures were declared on Wednesday, a day after a tragic event in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) resulted in the loss of at least 26 tourists’ lives.

Former Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, commented that the Indus Water Treaty is not subject to unilateral suspension or termination. He cautioned against creating unnecessary alarm.

Basit conveyed his apprehension that India might undertake detrimental actions against Pakistan, stating, “India cannot immediately halt Pakistan’s water supply.”

He noted that bilateral trade between the two nations is already at a standstill, diminishing the significance of closing the Wagah-Attari border for Pakistan.

He warned, “We must remain vigilant; India is capable of any action.”

Former ambassador and PPP Senator Sherry echoed Basit’s sentiment, emphasizing that treaties cannot be unilaterally suspended or terminated.

She recalled a past instance during President Clinton’s visit in 2000 when India accused Pakistan of an attack in IIOJK. Subsequent investigations, however, disproved these allegations.

Referring to the recent incident in IIOJK, she suggested that the circumstances indicate a potential false flag operation.

Former senator Mushahid Hussain Syed shared similar perspectives, suggesting India is using the Pahalgam incident as justification to potentially suspend the Indus Water Treaty, aiming to exert pressure on Pakistan.

He clarified that the Indus Water Treaty represents a bilateral international agreement between Islamabad and New Delhi. He further stated that if the current Indian government were to impede Pakistan’s water supply, it would constitute a breach of international law and be “tantamount to an act of war.”

Syed also stressed the importance of informing the UN Secretary-General about what he described as baseless accusations made by India against Pakistan.

Syed affirmed, “We stand prepared at all levels to deliver an appropriate response to India.”

The Indus River, a major waterway in Asia, traverses sensitive border regions, including the boundary between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.

The Indus Water Treaty, established in 1960, is intended to fairly distribute water resources between the two nations, it has been a source of contention.

Pakistan has long voiced concerns that India, being the upstream nation, could potentially restrict its water access, thereby harming its agricultural sector.