Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, emphasized the importance of abiding by international law to resolve the Kashmir dispute, highlighting that respect for global norms is crucial for lasting peace and stability in South Asia. He made these remarks during a webinar hosted by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington to observe Youm-e-Istehsal.
The event, titled “Contemporary Challenges to International Law in South Asia: Jammu and Kashmir Dispute and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT),” marked the seventh anniversary of India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019. Participants reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their fundamental right to self-determination as endorsed by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
Ambassador Sheikh explained that the webinar aimed to explore the legal aspects of the Kashmir dispute and its linkage with the IWT, both issues carrying significant political, economic, and geographical consequences. He insisted that the escalating complexity of the situation can only be managed through strict adherence to international law. Calling on India to meet its legal commitments, he urged Pakistan to leverage its increasing global credibility to promote its stance on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty.
Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar were also shared, reaffirming Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic backing for Kashmiris and urging a peaceful resolution of the dispute in line with international law and UN resolutions.
The webinar featured prominent figures including former UN ambassador Munir Akram, Foundation for American Security and Technology President Ali Unar, Kashmir Civitas Secretary General Dr. Farhan Mujahid, and Sanober Institute Executive Director Dr. Qamar Cheema. In his keynote address, Akram highlighted Pakistan’s enhanced diplomatic relations with major powers, which have strengthened its position to advocate for Kashmiris’ rights and safeguard its water interests.
He pointed out Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China, improved ties with the United States, and growing international credibility as factors that bolster its diplomatic influence. Akram criticized India’s actions in IIOJK since August 2019, stating there is no legal justification for suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. He described India’s approach as combining repression of Kashmiris with broader coercion against Pakistan, constituting a clear violation of international law.
Akram called for a unified legal and diplomatic effort involving international organizations, legal experts, and countries impacted by transboundary water issues. Dr. Mujahid contended that Indian policies in Jammu and Kashmir aim to change the region’s demographic and political landscape, while Unar emphasized the necessity of building broader international legal support to uphold the IWT’s integrity.
Dr. Qamar Cheema warned of the increasing threat of “hydro-hegemony” and the militarization of water resources, underscoring the treaty’s critical role in ensuring regional peace, food security, environmental sustainability, and long-term stability in South Asia.
The session concluded with a consensus on pursuing peaceful and lawful methods to resolve the Kashmir dispute and protect the Indus Waters Treaty. Ambassador Sheikh, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under international law and relevant UN resolutions.
