Abdul Basit, the former High Commissioner from Pakistan to India (2014-2017) and former ambassador to Germany (2012-2014) and the Ex, warned that New Delhi could launch a military action against Pakistan after the recent attack in Pahalgama.
That speaks with The express trusteeBasit cited the past actions of India after the URI attacks of 2016 and 2019 pulwama as precedence.
He said that the tone of the recent speech of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar indicated a possible cross -border strike or other tangible measures.
“It can happen through the control line, on our side, and then they would make great statements that they have destroyed launch pads and terrorist fields,” he said. “Whether it happens in a week or in fifteen days, something will happen.”
Basit believes that there are no immediate diplomatic problems for Pakistan, especially with respect to the cancellation of the Indo Water Treaty, however, more terrorist actions can be expected in Baluchistan and other parts of the country, which suggests that Pakistan should prepare for a greater destabilization of laws and order.
As for the announcement of India to suspend the swing of the Indo’s waters, the former high commissioner described the measure as a greatly “symbolic” due to the lack of current infrastructure of India to divert Western rivers.
“At this stage, India cannot stop water flow,” he said. “The Indo Water Treaty cannot be finished, or suspended, or unilaterally modified. It is a permanent treaty unless both parties agree.”
He urged Pakistan to involve the World Bank, the corridor and the guarantor of the treaty, and to prepare a robust diplomatic and legal response.
“India is not fulfilling its international obligations,” added the diplomat. “Both for the world’s largest democracy and its aspirations for a seat in the UN Security Council.”
Despite the climb, he said there was no immediate threat to access to Pakistan water under the treaty.
