Pakistan has issued a strong diplomatic rebuke in response to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement categorically rejecting the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
In a sharply worded statement, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan condemned India’s position as a “clear violation of international law, the provisions of the Treaty itself” and a dangerous challenge to the sanctity of global agreements.
The FO spokesperson said the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between Pakistan and India with the World Bank as a guarantor, is an internationally binding agreement that cannot be suspended or terminated unilaterally.
“The Indus Waters Treaty is not a political arrangement, but an international treaty with no provision for unilateral action,” the spokesperson said.
He termed the Indian minister's assertion a "brazen disregard for the sanctity of international agreements", adding that such behaviour undermines the very foundation of interstate relations and global legal frameworks.
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The spokesperson further warned that India’s illegal announcement to “hold the treaty in abeyance” and refuse to honour its obligations sets a reckless and dangerous precedent, undermining the credibility of international agreements, and raising questions about India's reliability and trustworthiness as a treaty partner.
India accused of weaponising water
Pakistan also accused India of "weaponizing water for political ends", calling the move a highly irresponsible act that violates international norms of responsible state behaviour.
“Making water a political weapon is irresponsible and contrary to the established norms of responsible state behaviour,” the FO noted, urging New Delhi to withdraw its unilateral and unlawful stance immediately and restore the "full and unhindered implementation" of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan to safeguard water rights
Reaffirming its position, Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that it would take all necessary steps — diplomatic, legal, or otherwise — to protect its water rights.
The FO concluded by saying that Pakistan remains dedicated to upholding international law and expects the same from all responsible states.
Earlier on Saturday, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said in an interview with Times of India that India will never restore the Indus Waters Treaty with Islamabad, and the water flowing to Pakistan will be diverted for internal use.
"No, it will never be restored," Shah told the daily.
"We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably," Shah said, referring to the northwestern Indian state.
