Hina Rabbani Khar warns India’s actions threaten global order

Former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said that India's conduct is not only a threat to Pakistan but also sets a

Former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said that India’s conduct is not only a threat to Pakistan but also sets a dangerous precedent for the entire international system.

Addressing a seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty, she warned that if India’s actions were not challenged, other neighbouring countries could face similar situations in the future.

Khar said the issue was not limited to Pakistan alone but had wider implications for the global legal and diplomatic order.

She noted that the Permanent Court of Arbitration had already made it clear that India does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend or terminate the Indus Waters Treaty.

The former foreign minister said India aspires to play a leading role in shaping global rules and seeks a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, while also portraying itself as a defender of international law.

However, she argued that a country seeking international recognition and leadership cannot simultaneously violate international agreements and legal commitments.

Hina Rabbani Khar questioned how any country could openly express intentions that threaten the existence and interests of an entire civilization.

She emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty clearly states that any amendments to its provisions can only be made with the consent of both Pakistan and India.

According to Khar, international law does not permit the unilateral suspension or termination of such agreements.

She added that no country aspiring to a respected position in the international community could withdraw from international treaties on its own.

The former foreign minister warned that if India were allowed to violate the Indus Waters Treaty today, similar actions could be taken against other countries tomorrow.

She stressed that water should serve as a source of cooperation rather than conflict between nations.

Khar also said that during her tenure as foreign minister, she consistently worked to normalize relations between Pakistan and India, but regretted that India’s approach had repeatedly become an obstacle to improving bilateral ties.