ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Saturday strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement that New Delhi would “never restore” the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a serious threat to regional stability and breach of international law.
The sharp response comes amid growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours over long-standing water-sharing disputes.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office emphasized that the IWT is a binding international treaty, not a political arrangement, and does not allow for any unilateral withdrawal or suspension.
“India’s announcement to suspend the Treaty is a blatant violation of international law, the treaty’s provisions, and fundamental norms of inter-state conduct,” the spokesperson said, accusing India of showing “brazen disregard” for its legal commitments under the World Bank-brokered 1960 agreement.
The Foreign Office further cautioned that such actions undermine global trust in treaty-based mechanisms and could set a “reckless and dangerous precedent.”
The statement also criticized the “weaponization of water for political purposes,” referring to Shah’s remarks reportedly made during a pre-election address in Bihar — a state historically sensitive to water disputes.
“This irresponsible rhetoric stands in stark contrast to the principles of responsible state conduct,” the spokesperson added, urging India to immediately withdraw its unilateral and unlawful stance.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the IWT, the Foreign Office stressed that it would “take all necessary steps” to protect the country’s water rights, including through diplomatic and legal channels.
Despite multiple wars and crises, the Indus Waters Treaty has remained intact since 1960, but recent developments have placed increasing strain on the historic agreement.
