Dar Warns India: International Obligations Aren't Optional

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar took a firm stance on Wednesday, asserting that India must not disregard its international commitments when circumstances become inconvenient. This statement was made during the ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Dar's comments come in response to India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in April 2025, an action that sparked military tensions shortly thereafter.

Background on the Indus Waters Treaty

In his address, Dar highlighted that the status of the Indus Waters Treaty had been reaffirmed by a court of arbitration. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in August 2025 that the IWT remained in effect, noting that India lacked valid justification for its decision to suspend the agreement.

- The main points of contention include:

- India's unilateral actions following the treaty's suspension.

- The PCA's ruling reaffirming the treaty's binding nature.

- The ongoing military tensions resulting from this conflict.

Dar stressed that "the treaty is a binding international agreement and contains no provision permitting its unilateral suspension." This statement underscores the obligations of both nations to uphold agreements that have international legal status.

Consequences of Military Conflict

Recalling the military conflict that occurred in May 2025, Dar pointed out that the episode served as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by an unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Following a violent incident in Pahalgam, India accused Pakistan without substantial evidence and escalated military aggression.

- Key events that contributed to the tension include:

- A deadly attack in occupied Kashmir.

- India's subsequent military actions against Pakistan.

- Pakistan's measured response aimed at preventing further escalation, reinforcing its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Dar stated, "the lessons from the dangerous confrontation from May 2025 must not be lost," emphasizing that the unresolved dispute between two nuclear-armed nations poses significant risks.

India's Actions in Kashmir

In his address, Dar also criticized India for its series of actions aimed at altering the demographic and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that since August 5, 2019, India has taken numerous unilateral measures which threaten the region's identity:

- Such measures include:

- Altering electoral roles by adding non-Kashmiris.

- Confiscating properties and demolishing homes.

- Suppressing media freedom and cracking down on dissent.

These actions, according to Dar, have systematically dismantled the political and civic space necessary for meaningful dialogue and conflict resolution. He pointed out that arbitrary detentions, torture, and persecution under stringent laws, such as the Public Safety Act, are commonplace for Kashmiri activists.

International Community's Role

Dar concluded his remarks with a plea for the international community to remain vigilant regarding these systematic violations. He noted that recent reports, including a joint communication from UN Special Procedures, have corroborated allegations of human rights abuses in the region.

- Specific issues highlighted in these reports include:

- Arrest of approximately 2,800 individuals, including journalists.

- Widespread demolition of homes and properties.

- Targeted hate speech and intimidation against Kashmiris.

These claims indicate a sustained effort to undermine the rights of the Kashmiri people and transform the character of their homeland. Dar's statements reiterate Pakistan's position on the importance of honoring international treaties and the dire consequences of neglecting them.