Pakistan has strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan “will never be restored,” calling it a clear violation of international law and the treaty’s provisions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office described Shah’s remarks as a “brazen disregard for the sanctity of international agreements” and emphasized that the IWT is an apolitical international treaty with no provision for unilateral suspension or withdrawal.
Islamabad stated that India’s unilateral suspension of its participation in the treaty, announced in April 2025, constitutes a blatant breach of international law and fundamental principles of inter-state relations.
The Pakistani government warned that India’s actions set a dangerous precedent that undermines the credibility of treaty-based diplomacy and raises serious concerns about India’s reliability as a treaty partner.
Pakistan accused India of “weaponizing water for political ends,” which it described as irresponsible and contrary to established norms of responsible state behavior.
The Foreign Office called on India to immediately rescind its unilateral position and resume full implementation of the treaty. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the IWT and vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard its water rights, including potential diplomatic or legal actions.
The dispute escalated after India suspended its participation in the treaty following a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025, which India blamed on Pakistan-based groups, an allegation denied by Islamabad.
Despite a ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the treaty remains dormant amid rising tensions.