Pakistan, triggered by India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), has responded with it’s own suspension of the 1972 Shimla Agreement. Indefinitely closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and classifying any Indus water diversion an “act of war.”
Pakistan’s suspension of the Shimla Agreement, which formalized the Line of Control (LoC) after the 1971 war holds potential disregard for the established borders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, “India’s actions leave no room for trust,” laying back on Pakistan’s inclination of not honorinv the sanctity of the LoC, raising fears of cross-border skirmishes.
The airspace closure, similar to the 2019 ban post-Balakot, will disrupt over 800 weekly Indian flights. India is looking at reroutes over the Arabian Sea actively increasing fuel costs and flight times, with airlines like IndiGo and Air India projecting 8-12% airfare hikes. In 2019, a similar restriction haf cost Indian carriers $64 million. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority justified the move as a “sovereign right,” citing India’s treaty violation as the catalyst.
The IWT allocates the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab to Pakistan, supporting one-third of its hydropower, including dams like Mangla and Tarbela. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has labelled India’s suspension a “breach of international law,” vowing for a “resolute response.” Pakistan has sent in appeals to the UN and the World Bank, urging for their intervention. Pakistan is looking to rally international support while sentiments of war linger in the air.
