Pakistan calls Shah’s IWT remarks of the “clear violation of international law”

Pakistan has strongly condemned the remarks of the Indian Minister of India Amit Shah that the Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan “will never be restored”, calling the declaration of “cheeky contempt for the holiness of international agreements”.

Answer media questions about Shah’s interview with The time of IndiaIn which he declared that India would divert water to Pakistan for domestic use, the Islamabad Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that comments constitute a clear violation of international law, the provisions of the treaty and fundamental principles governing interstate relations.

“The Industry Water Treaty is not a political arrangement, but an international treaty without provision for unilateral action,” said spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The illegal announcement of India to maintain the in-suspended treaty constitutes a clear violation of international law, the provisions of the Treaty itself and the fundamental principles governing interstate relations.”

Learn more: India excludes the restoration of the Industry Water Treaty, promises to divert water from Pakistan

The spokesperson added that such a conduct “establishes an imprudent and dangerous precedent” which undermines the credibility of international agreements and raises serious concerns concerning the reliability of India as a treated partner.

“The armament of water for political purposes is irresponsible and contrary to the established standards of behavior responsible for the State,” the press release, calling on New Delhi to immediately cancel his unilateral position and to resume the complete implementation of the Treaty.

For its part, Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the Industry Water Treaty and has undertaken to take all the necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights under the agreement.

Signed in 1960 with the World Bank as a guarantor, the Industry Water Treaty governed the allocation and use of water from the Industry River System between the two countries.

The treaty guarantees access to Pakistan to the three Western rivers – Industs, Jhelum and Chenab – which are crucial for irrigation and agriculture in the country. Despite wars and current tensions, the treaty has largely resisted bilateral hostilities for more than six decades.

However, in April 2025, India announced that it placed the “pending” treaty following a deadly attack in Jammu-et-Cachemire of illegally Indian occupation, which he blamed with elements allegedly linked to Pakistan, without providing proof. Islamabad categorically denied any involvement in the incident.

Also read: Ready to prevent the IWT threat from India: PM

In the interview on Saturday, Shah said unequivocally: “No, it will never be restored. We will take water flowing in Pakistan at Rajasthan by building a channel. Pakistan will be hungry for the water which it has become unjustified. ”

Shah’s remarks, considered to be a hardening of India’s position, have attenuated hopes for any short -term dialogue on the future of the treaty. Reuters recently pointed out that India plans to considerably increase the water it diverts from rivers that flow into Pakistan as part of what it calls reprisal measures.

Pakistan would have explored the legal paths to challenge India’s decision under international law, and diplomatic efforts are continuing to reach international support for preserving and applying the treaty.

The growing rhetoric on water occurs in the middle of fragile ties between nuclear weapons neighbors, despite a ceasefire agreement earlier this year after one of the most serious thrusts along the control line in recent decades.

What is the Treaty of Indus water?

The origins of the IWT date back to the partition of British India in August 1947, when India and Pakistan became two independent nations. The two countries, which now house more than 1.6 billion people, have historically linked to the rivers which move away from Himalayas for irrigation and agriculture.

The division of the province of Punjab, which was widely developed under British domination with an integrated irrigation system, has created an immediate need for an agreement on the fair sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan.

This was essential to prevent any future conflict on this vital resource, in particular since the new border separated the territories through which these rivers flowed.

After nine years of negotiations, facilitated by the World Bank, ITP was signed in September 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistani president Ayub Khan.

Learn more: The unilateral suspension of IWT India could destabilize regional peace: bilawal

India has received control of the three oriental rivers – Ravi, Sutlej and Beas – while Pakistan was sentenced to the control of the three Western rivers – Industs, Jhelum and Chenab. As part of the treaty, India must allow the waters of Western rivers to flow into Pakistan, with a few exceptions.

The treaty also allows India to develop hydroelectric projects on Western rivers, but these projects must adhere to strict conditions.

These must be “shaved” projects, which means that they cannot significantly modify the flow or storage of water, ensuring that Pakistan water rights as a downstream country are not affected negatively.