Pakistan condemns Indian home minister’s remarks rejecting IWT restoration

Islamabad (Web Desk) : Pakistan has strongly criticized Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling his statement a blatant violation of international agreements and legal obligations.

In an interview with The Times of India, Amit Shah stated that New Delhi would “never restore” the Indus Waters Treaty and would instead divert the water flowing into Pakistan through a canal to Rajasthan. “Pakistan will no longer receive the water it was unjustly benefiting from,” Shah added.

Reacting sharply to these remarks, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a formal statement, declaring the Indus Waters Treaty a “non-political” and binding international agreement. “There is no provision for unilateral withdrawal or suspension,” the statement emphasized.

Pakistan further asserted that any attempt by India to unilaterally revoke or alter the treaty would be a violation of international law and would undermine the credibility of treaties globally. “Weaponizing water for political purposes is an irresponsible act and sets a dangerous precedent,” the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan demanded that India fully comply with the treaty and warned that Islamabad remains committed to protecting its legitimate water rights by all legal and diplomatic means.

Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also responded to India’s stance, warning, “If India refuses to honor the treaty, we will fight again and take all six rivers. We know how to defend our waters.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also condemned India’s actions earlier this month, labeling them as “water aggression” and a “clear breach” of the treaty. He assured that Pakistan would respond firmly in line with the decisions taken during the National Security Committee’s meeting on April 24.

Meanwhile, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah raised concerns over the central government’s alleged plan to divert water from the region to other states. “Why should water be given to Rajasthan or Punjab when Jammu and Kashmir is already facing acute water shortages?” he questioned.

Experts warn that such unilateral steps by India could severely strain bilateral ties and escalate regional tensions, as water remains a critical and sensitive issue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.