Ceasefire Brings Hope, but Indus Water Treaty Still in Limbo

Despite agreeing to a ceasefire following recent tensions, India and Pakistan have not resumed the long-standing Indus Water Treaty. According to Reuters, officials from both countries have confirmed that no formal decision has yet been made regarding the reactivation of the treaty.

The move follows a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22. In response, New Delhi unilaterally suspended the Indus Water Treaty — a pact signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation to govern the distribution of the Indus River basin’s waters between the two nations. Pakistan relies on this water for approximately 80% of its agriculture.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated, “As a responsible state, we have responded positively to the ceasefire in the interest of regional and global peace. We believe that disputes such as water sharing and Kashmir must be resolved fairly and sustainably through peaceful dialogue.”

Analysts warn that despite the ceasefire, the suspension of the treaty raises ongoing concerns about water security and regional stability in South Asia.

Sources suggest that fresh diplomatic efforts may soon be initiated to renegotiate and restore the treaty between the two countries.