Pakistan is taking steps to challenge India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Aqeel Malik, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, said his country is exploring several international legal options, including filing a case at the World Bank or the International Court of Justice.
The treaty, which governs the distribution and use of waters from the Indus River and its tributaries, is essential to Pakistan’s irrigation system, accounting for 80% of the country’s irrigated agriculture and hydropower. India suspended the treaty last week, citing an attack in Kashmir as a reason.
However, Pakistan denies involvement in the attack that killed 26 people and claims any attempt by India to stop or divert its water would be considered an act of war. The move has strained relations between the two countries, with Pakistan suspending all trade with India and closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
A fourth diplomatic option is being explored: raising the issue at the United Nations Security Council. Malik emphasized that Pakistan will pursue all available forums to address the situation, saying “the treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally.”
India’s Central Water Commission head, Kushvinder Vohra, believes there are solid grounds for India’s action and doubts Pakistan’s ability to take effective legal action.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-preparing-challenge-indias-suspension-water-treaty-minister-says-2025-04-29