The Indo-Afghan transgression

Pakistan's stance that it is a victim of terrorism, and its eastern and western frontiers constitute floodgates of intrusion stands vindicated. Experts from the United Nations, in a consolidated research summary, noted that India's "unlawful use of force on Pakistan's territory" in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir "appears to have violated the rights to life and security of person".

In that very same linkage, Delhi's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is in contravention of International Law. Likewise, the 16th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted to the UNSC, observed that..."the de facto authorities (in Kabul) continue to deny that any terrorist groups have a footprint in or operate from its territory. That claim is not credible". These two landmark observations should be taken as rightful confessions, and the world community must act to deter Delhi and Kabul from indulging in extra-territorial designs against Pakistan.

The input from the UN has also cited some lacunae on the part of India as it went over the brink by attacking Pakistan in so-called "retaliation" to the Pahalgam incident. The UN pointed out that by launching strikes in Pakistan, New Delhi "did not notify the UN Security Council that its operation was in the exercise of the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, under the procedures required by that article". Further, it stated that Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and customary international law "prohibits India from the threat or use of armed force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Pakistan, whether such force is targeting state or non-state actors". This is more than enough to put India in the dock as it stands squarely indicted.

India and Afghanistan have, unfortunately, ganged up to undermine regional peace and security. The way forward is to look at the bigger picture of rationality, and make peace with Pakistan. The incidents in the last few weeks go on to make it clear that violation of established inter-state principles is the order of the day. Rescinding the IWT suspension and acting against non-state actors is the minimum required from India and Afghanistan, respectively.