Pakistan has decided to formally serve a diplomatic notice to India in response to New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, officials confirmed on Friday. The move comes amid rising concern in Islamabad over what it calls India’s “unilateral and unjustified” actions regarding the historic water-sharing agreement.
Consultations are underway among Pakistan’s ministries of Water Resources, Law, and Foreign Affairs to finalize the legal framework for the notice, which is expected to be sent through diplomatic channels soon. Officials say the objective is to legally and morally justify Pakistan’s position and to demand clear explanations from India over its suspension of the treaty, which has been a cornerstone of water cooperation since 1960.
Also Read: India’s Indus Waters Treaty Suspension Endangers Pakistan’s Water Security
Islamabad is also weighing a formal protest at international forums to highlight what it describes as India’s “water aggression.” A special think tank comprising legal, water, and diplomatic experts has been established to guide Pakistan’s response, with its recommendations expected shortly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will decide the next course of action, which may include seeking the World Bank’s intervention.
Officials stressed that the treaty, long considered a successful model of conflict resolution, should not be undermined for political purposes. They emphasized that Pakistan is defending not only its water rights but also the integrity of a critical international agreement.
