Islamabad, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s decision to keep the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack has been described as “strategic and logical” in a report, which said that the resumption of normal water cooperation and cross-border engagement with Pakistan would remain difficult unless Islamabad undergoes a major policy transformation.
The report by Media India Group stated that international agreements cannot function when one party disregards commitments and uses the framework without reciprocal responsibility. It argued that the existing IWT structure, signed in 1960 for sharing waters of the Indus river system, requires reconsideration in view of changing circumstances.
The report said Pakistan has failed to demonstrate sustained commitment towards peaceful engagement, constructive dialogue and implementation of the treaty’s spirit. It alleged that Islamabad has continued hostile rhetoric, including provocative statements against India, while failing to address concerns over cross-border terrorism.
India placed the treaty in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack last year, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. New Delhi has maintained that meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can only take place in an environment free from terrorism and violence.
The report highlighted India’s stated position that “water and blood cannot flow together, and neither can terror and trade go hand in hand,” while emphasising that firm measures against cross-border terrorism would continue.
It further stated that repeated conflicts between the two countries have not resulted in a change in Pakistan’s approach towards India, and argued that lasting improvement would require greater democratic accountability and a shift away from policies centred on hostility.
According to the report, without a fundamental change in Pakistan’s approach towards its relationship with India, prospects for regular water cooperation, trade normalisation and stable dialogue would remain uncertain.
FOLLOW NOW
