Pakistan has decided to formally serve a diplomatic notice to India in response to the latter’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, officials familiar with the development confirmed on Friday.
The move comes amid heightened concern in Islamabad over what officials described as “unilateral and unjustified” actions taken by New Delhi.
According to informed sources in the Indus Commission, consultations are currently underway among the ministries of Water Resources, Law, and Foreign Affairs to prepare the legal groundwork for the notice, which is expected to be dispatched through diplomatic channels in the coming days.
“The aim of this step is to provide both legal and moral justification for Pakistan’s stance,” an official source said, requesting anonymity. “We are seeking concrete reasons from India on its suspension of the treaty, which has existed as a cornerstone of regional water cooperation since 1960.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed by both countries over six decades ago, has survived multiple wars and tensions. However, recent developments—particularly India’s apparent unilateral departure from treaty obligations—have prompted Islamabad to take the matter to international forums.
Officials said a formal protest is also being considered at multilateral platforms, with Pakistan aiming to highlight what it calls India’s “water aggression” before the global community. “All actions will follow approval from the federal government and the cabinet,” sources in the Water Resources Ministry told Dawn.
Pakistan maintains that it has consistently abided by the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty and has never been found in violation. “Our legal standing on this matter is solid,” a senior government source said, adding that relevant departments are optimistic that New Delhi may be compelled to reconsider its position.
It may be recalled that Islamabad recently established a special think tank comprising water, legal, and diplomatic experts to examine the implications of India’s move. The think tank is expected to submit its recommendations to the cabinet in the coming days. Based on these inputs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will decide on Pakistan’s future strategy, which could include seeking intervention from the World Bank.
“The cabinet has been informed that India’s action is not only a breach of a binding agreement but also sets a dangerous precedent,” the source said.
Officials believe that the treaty—seen as one of the most successful examples of conflict resolution between two rival states—must not be undermined for political expediency. “We are not merely defending our water rights; we are defending a vital pillar of international law,” an official concluded.
When contacted, officials from the Foreign Office declined to comment, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
The World Bank, which continues to serve as a guarantor of the treaty, has not issued a public statement yet.
