Pakistan Condemns India’s Move to Scrap Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will “never be restored”, calling it a serious violation of international law and a dangerous step toward regional instability.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Shah’s statement shows a “blatant disregard for the sanctity of international agreements”, warning that such actions set a troubling precedent.

India recently placed its participation in the 1960 treaty “in abeyance” after an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) killed 26 civilians. India blamed the incident on terrorism, while Pakistan denied any involvement. Despite a ceasefire agreement last month, the treaty has not been restored.

Speaking to The Times of India, Amit Shah stated that India will divert water that previously flowed to Pakistan for domestic use, especially to Rajasthan. He said Pakistan would be “starved of water it was getting unjustifiably.”

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the help of the World Bank, grants Pakistan water rights to three rivers originating in India and supports nearly 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture.

Pakistan has previously stated that unilateral withdrawal from the treaty is not allowed, and any attempt to block water flow would be considered “an act of war.” Islamabad is also reviewing legal options under international law to challenge India’s decision.