Pakistan Highlights Kashmir and Indus Waters Dispute at UNSC; India to Issue Response
Pakistan has brought the Kashmir issue and the Indus Waters Treaty conflict with India to the forefront during a significant debate at the United Nations Security Council. As Pakistan presides over the UNSC for July, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar highlighted Kashmir’s “right to self-determination” while criticizing India’s suspension of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty.
Dar described Jammu and Kashmir as one of the longest-standing disputes on the UN Security Council's agenda, arguing that no superficial measures could replace the Kashmiris' fundamental right to self-determination, as outlined in UN resolutions.
Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar accused India of “illegally and unilaterally” putting the 1960 agreement on hold after the April Pahalgam attacks. He claimed India’s actions aim to limit water flow to Pakistan, threatening the livelihoods of nearly 240 million people.
The Indus Waters Treaty, facilitated by the World Bank, is frequently regarded as a model of effective diplomacy between adversarial states, having endured even during periods of war and tension.
India is anticipated to offer a robust response, particularly as Pakistan seeks to amplify the presence of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the UN. During its UNSC presidency, Pakistan has organized two major events, including a briefing on the OIC-UN partnership. The OIC, comprising 57 member nations, has consistently criticized India's approach to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly following the repeal of Article 370 in 2019.
India is expected to express disquiet about the increasing clout of the OIC within the UN, especially given the organization's opposing stance against New Delhi at various international platforms.
This diplomatic contention at the UN highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over these pivotal issues, with both countries prepared to bolster their positions in the upcoming days.
