Handle with care

India recently threatened to revoke the Indus Waters Treaty. This is troubling and Pakistan should take the bull by the horn. Fortunately, India cannot abrogate this treaty unilaterally under international law. It seems that India wants to sabotage the CPEC by breaching this treaty as numerous hydro-power projects are directly linked to it. Moreover, India also wants to divert attention from human rights violations in Kashmir.

Pakistan should first try to resolve the matter by negotiation with India. If unsuccessful, it should invoke the arbitration clause of the agreement and engage well-reputed counsels to get out this logjam. In the worst case, Pakistan can go to the International Court of Justice. Pakistan has a very strong case against India. It must not mishandle it like the Kashmir and Baglihar dam cases. 

Muhammad Wajid Munir

Islamabad