Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar today firmly stated that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and that Pakistan will not allow India to hold its 240 million citizens hostage.
Speaking on the critical water-sharing agreement, Dar emphasized that India’s recent actions, including its declaration in April to hold the treaty “in abeyance” following the Pahalgam incident, are a violation of international law. He stressed that the IWT has no provision for unilateral suspension or termination.
Dar’s remarks come after a recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which affirmed that India’s attempt to unilaterally suspend the treaty does not limit the court’s competence over ongoing disputes. This ruling was welcomed by Pakistan as a significant legal victory, while India has rejected its authority.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its water rights as provided under the treaty, emphasizing that the waters of the Indus River system are a lifeline for the country’s population. He urged India to reconsider its approach and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues within the framework of the IWT.
