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Pakistan is preparing a formal diplomatic notice in response to the Indus Waters Treaty suspension announced by India on April 23, 2025, following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.
The treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs water sharing from the Indus River system. It has survived wars, cross-border attacks, and decades of mistrust—but this is the first time one party has suspended it.
Takeaway: A longstanding water-sharing agreement is now at the heart of a major regional conflict.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Offensive
After emergency consultations, Pakistan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Law, and Water Resources have finalized the language for a diplomatic protest.
The official notice, expected to be delivered in the coming days, will demand an explanation from India for the Indus Waters Treaty suspension—which Islamabad calls a violation of international law.
Pakistani officials argue that the treaty includes no clause allowing for unilateral suspension. They describe India’s move as “water aggression” and a breach of a binding agreement.
Takeaway: Islamabad is treating the suspension as a legal and geopolitical challenge.
Global Forums in Play
Pakistan plans to escalate the matter beyond bilateral channels. Officials are weighing appeals to the United Nations, World Bank, and possibly the International Court of Justice.
Islamabad may invoke the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, claiming the Indus Waters Treaty suspension violates international legal norms.
Still, legal hurdles remain. India’s 2019 declaration to the ICJ excludes disputes involving national security, limiting international jurisdiction over the matter.
Takeaway: Legal options exist, but success may depend more on diplomacy than the courts.
Why This Treaty Matters
The Indus Waters Treaty divides the river system’s flow: India controls the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), while Pakistan relies on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab)—about 80% of the water volume.
That water is critical for Pakistan’s agriculture, which employs over a third of its workforce and contributes nearly 25% of its GDP. Crops like wheat and rice are particularly vulnerable.
Though India’s Indus Waters Treaty suspension doesn’t currently block water, it halts data sharing and removes prior restrictions on new storage or dam projects. Pakistan fears long-term damage to its water security and food production.
Takeaway: The treaty isn’t just about rivers—it underpins Pakistan’s economic and food stability.
India’s Justification and Pakistan’s Denial
India justifies its move by linking the April 23 terror attack to Pakistan-based elements. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the treaty will remain “in abeyance” until Pakistan “credibly abjures” support for cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan has denied involvement, noting that The Resistance Front claimed the attack. Islamabad has offered to cooperate in a neutral investigation and warned that any water diversion would be considered an “act of war.”
Takeaway: Accusations of terrorism have now spilled into water policy—with severe consequences.
Tit-for-Tat Measures Escalate
The fallout isn’t limited to the Indus basin. Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, shut its airspace to Indian aircraft, and paused bilateral trade.
While no rivers have been blocked yet, tensions are climbing. Pakistan’s foreign ministry warns that further unilateral action by India could destabilize the region.
Takeaway: Diplomatic ties are unraveling across multiple fronts—not just over water.
What’s Next
The diplomatic notice is expected to be delivered within days. Whether India responds or digs in remains to be seen.
The Indus Waters Treaty suspension could mark the beginning of a prolonged standoff—one that tests not only bilateral ties but the role of international law in resolving modern resource disputes.
Final Takeaway: What started as a treaty dispute may soon define the next chapter in India-Pakistan relations.
