Following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, tensions between the two nations have escalated dramatically. The move, announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has triggered strong reactions from Pakistan’s leadership, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar denying any involvement in the attack and demanding proof from New Delhi.
Dar, speaking to Geo News, criticized India’s decision, calling it a “childish move” that would primarily affect poor farmers in Punjab and Sindh. He insisted that Pakistan had no role in the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. He further alleged that India had failed to provide any credible evidence linking Pakistan to the incident.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a World Bank-brokered agreement signed in 1960, marks a significant shift in India’s diplomatic stance. The treaty governs the distribution of water from the Indus River System, which is crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture and hydropower sectors. Indian officials cited sustained cross-border terrorism as the primary reason for placing the treaty in abeyance.
Pakistan’s leadership has reacted strongly, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convening a National Security Committee meeting to discuss countermeasures. Several Pakistani politicians, including Chaudhary Fawad Hussain and Awais Leghari, have condemned India’s actions, calling them “illegal” and an “act of water warfare”.
India’s decision also includes additional diplomatic measures, such as:
- Closing the Attari-Wagah border for Pakistani nationals.
- Revoking visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
- Expelling Pakistani defense officials from New Delhi.
- Withdrawing Indian military advisors from Islamabad.
As the situation unfolds, both nations remain on high alert, with Pakistan warning that any attempt to divert water flows would be considered an act of war. The diplomatic fallout continues to shape regional stability, with global stakeholders closely monitoring developments.
Stay tuned for more updates on India-Pakistan relations and geopolitical developments.
