Pakistan Considers ICJ Action Over India’s Treaty Withdrawal
Pakistan is exploring international legal channels to challenge India’s recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a landmark water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. The development has sharply escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, especially in the wake of a recent terror attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir that India has partially attributed to cross-border elements.
According to a Reuters report, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Aqeel Malik, confirmed on April 29 that Islamabad is actively assessing at least three legal options. These include filing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, approaching the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and involving the World Bank—which played a key role in the treaty’s original formulation.
“Our discussions on the legal strategy are nearly complete,” Malik said, emphasizing that Pakistan is considering a multi-pronged approach to hold India accountable for what it considers a violation of international law. He added that India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty may breach the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which outlines binding norms governing the conduct of nations with regard to treaties.
India’s Unilateral Move Draws Sharp Reactions
India’s decision to suspend the treaty marks a rare and significant shift in its diplomatic stance. The Indus Waters Treaty has survived multiple wars and decades of hostility, largely being viewed as a successful case of water diplomacy. However, New Delhi has accused Pakistan of fostering cross-border terrorism and has linked the suspension of the treaty to broader national security concerns.
Alongside the suspension, India has revoked SAARC visas for Pakistani officials and closed the historic Wagah-Attari border crossing. These moves signal a breakdown in diplomatic protocol and have been perceived by Islamabad as steps toward isolating Pakistan on the international stage.
A statement from the Indian side noted that the Indus Waters Treaty is a “binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension.” This has only fueled Pakistan’s resolve to seek legal redress at global forums.
Pakistan Accuses India of Diplomatic Aggression
In its official response, Pakistan dismissed India’s move as unlawful and provocative. Islamabad not only rejected India’s accusation of Pakistan’s alleged involvement in terrorism but also warned that continued unilateralism by India could lead to Pakistan disregarding other bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Accord.
“India has set a dangerous precedent by violating a treaty that is legally binding and has stood the test of time. If such actions go unchallenged, they could undermine global trust in multilateral treaties,” said a senior Pakistani diplomat who wished to remain unnamed.
Pakistan’s leadership also indicated it would launch an international awareness campaign highlighting India’s alleged treaty violations, with plans to brief major allies and international legal experts. The idea, according to sources, is to portray India as a violator of international norms and to rally support for Pakistan’s legal stance.
Background of the Indus Waters Treaty
Signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates the waters of six rivers between the two countries. The eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—were allocated to India, while the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—were reserved for Pakistan, though India was allowed limited usage rights.