Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Simla Agreement
Following recent comments by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declaring the 1972 Simla Agreement as a 'dead document,' Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has issued a clarification. No formal decision has been taken to revoke or terminate any bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Accord.
Context Behind the Controversy
The Defence Minister's remarks came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Indian strikes targeting terror infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early May 2025.
During a televised interview, Khawaja Asif stated that India's unilateral actions, especially the 2019 revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, had rendered the Simla framework obsolete. He claimed that the agreement was effectively nullified and suggested future Indo-Pakistani disputes might need to be addressed through multilateral or international mechanisms.
Official Position from the Foreign Ministry
Reacting to the Defence Minister's statements, a senior foreign office official emphasized that these were internal discussions and no formal steps have been taken to terminate any bilateral accords with India. The official confirmed that all treaties, including the Simla Agreement, remain operational and binding.
Significance of the Simla Agreement
Signed in 1972 after the Indo-Pak war, the Simla Agreement serves as a fundamental framework for maintaining peaceful bilateral relations and resolving disputes through dialogue. It establishes the Line of Control as the ceasefire line and underscores mutual respect for territorial integrity.
Recent Developments and Ceasefire
- Following the May 7 terror attack and Indian retaliatory strikes, Pakistan attempted counterattacks on Indian military posts from May 8 to 10.
- These actions led to heightened hostilities until both countries' directors general of military operations engaged in talks on May 10.
- A ceasefire understanding was subsequently reached, easing immediate tensions.
Conclusion
While Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's characterization of the Simla Agreement sparked speculation about Pakistan's stance, the Foreign Ministry’s clarification firmly distances the government from any formal repudiation. The ongoing commitment to existing treaties signals Pakistan's interest in maintaining official diplomatic protocols amid fluctuating relations with India.
