Officials familiar with the development confirmed on Friday that Pakistan has decided to formally serve a diplomatic notice to India in response to the latter’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The move comes amid heightened concern in Islamabad regarding what officials have described as “unilateral and unjustified” actions undertaken by New Delhi.
According to informed sources within the Indus Commission, consultations are currently underway among the ministries of Water Resources, Law, and Foreign Affairs to prepare the legal framework for the notice, which is anticipated to be dispatched through diplomatic channels in the coming days.
“The aim of this step is to provide both legal and moral justification for Pakistan’s stance,” an official source stated, requesting anonymity. “We are seeking concrete reasons from India regarding its suspension of the treaty, which has stood as a cornerstone of regional water cooperation since 1960.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed by both countries over six decades ago, has endured multiple wars and periods of tension. However, recent developments—particularly India’s apparent unilateral deviation from treaty obligations—have prompted Islamabad to escalate the matter to international forums.
Officials indicated that a formal protest is also under consideration at multilateral platforms, with Pakistan intending to highlight what it terms India’s “water aggression” before the global community. “All actions will follow approval from the federal government and the cabinet,” sources within the Water Resources Ministry informed Dawn.
Pakistan maintains that it has consistently adhered to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty and has never been found in violation. “Our legal standing on this matter is solid,” a senior government source asserted, adding that relevant departments are optimistic that New Delhi may be compelled to reconsider its position.
It is worth recalling that Islamabad recently established a specialized think tank comprising water, legal, and diplomatic experts to examine the implications of India’s move. The think tank is expected to submit its recommendations to the cabinet in the coming days. Based on these inputs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will determine Pakistan’s future strategy, which could include seeking intervention from the World Bank.
“The cabinet has been informed that India’s action is not only a breach of a binding agreement but also establishes a dangerous precedent,” the source conveyed.
Officials believe that the treaty—regarded as one of the most successful examples of conflict resolution between two rival states—must not be undermined for political expediency. “We are not merely defending our water rights; we are defending a vital pillar of international law,” an official concluded.
When contacted, officials from the Foreign Office declined to comment, citing the sensitivity of the issue.
The World Bank, which continues to act as a guarantor of the treaty, has not yet issued a public statement.
