Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday that the 1972 Simla Agreement has “lost its sanctity” following India’s recent unilateral moves, especially its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Speaking to a private TV channel, Asif stressed that the Simla Agreement was a bilateral pact, without involvement from any third party or institution like the World Bank. “The LoC will now act as a ceasefire line,” he added, stating that New Delhi’s actions have voided the agreement’s core purpose.
This latest development follows a string of aggressive moves by India, including unprovoked attacks on Pakistani territory last month. The military clashes—ignited by an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that left 26 tourists dead—quickly escalated. India blamed Pakistan without offering evidence, prompting Islamabad to launch Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, targeting Indian military sites in retaliation.
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The 87-hour conflict ended on May 10 with a ceasefire brokered by the United States. During the intense standoff, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and destroyed dozens of drones.
Amid this India-Pakistan treaty crisis, Asif warned that if hostilities persist, bilateral agreements between the two nations will lose all relevance. He also underlined that India cannot unilaterally terminate the IWT or manipulate water flows as per its will.
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Meanwhile, the Foreign Office clarified on Friday that no final decision has been made to withdraw from any agreements with India. A senior official said Islamabad is reviewing all diplomatic options but has not taken formal steps to dissolve bilateral pacts yet.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assigned former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to lead a high-level delegation to global capitals and the United Nations. The mission aims to counter Indian propaganda and highlight Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
