What Pakistan is required to do is to use all possible diplomatic measures to get out of hot water
ISLAMABAD: Recently, hate mongers in India have threatened to dissolve decades-old Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. This is a troubling state of affairs and the Pakistani intelligentsia should take the bull by the horn. Fortunately, India cannot abrogate this treaty unilaterally under international law. Additionally, the World Bank being a guarantor is also party to this treaty. So, it would not be a stroll in the park for India to throw dust in the world’s eyes. Furthermore, it seems that India wants to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by breaching this treaty as numerous hydropower projects are directly linked to it. Moreover, India also wants to divert attention from blatant human rights violations in Kashmir.
What Pakistan is required to do is to use all possible diplomatic measures to get out of hot water. For this, it must hold vigilance at international forums like the United Nations. Additionally, Pakistan should first try to resolve the matter by negotiation with India. If unsuccessful, it should invoke the arbitration clause of the agreement and engage well-reputed counsel to get out of this logjam. In the worst case, Pakistan can go to the International Court of Justice. Pakistan has a very strong case against India. Yet, it must not mishandle this case like Kashmir and the Baglihar Dam. Additionally, Pakistan must put its house in order to gain prowess at international forums.
Muhammad Wajid Munir
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2016.
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