In what could alter South Asia’s diplomatic landscape, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared on Friday that the 1972 Simla Agreement “no longer applies,” announcing that the Kashmir dispute would now be taken to international forums. Asif’s remarks have sent shockwaves through political circles in both Islamabad and New Delhi and restarted a debate over Kashmir after a long while.
The Simla Agreement was signed after the 1971 Indo-Pak war and has long been deemed the basis for bilateral engagement. Asif’s comments now threaten to unravel this legacy and possibly heighten tensions on a global level.
Asif’s Message to the World
Asif claimed at the high-level press conference that India was “continually violating the Simla Agreement,” not least with the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He said:
“India has dismantled the bilateral structure by revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy. We are no longer obligated to uphold an agreement that has become meaningless in practice.”
He vowed to internationalize the Kashmir issue, citing upcoming moves to present Pakistan’s case before global institutions such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Immediately after announcing, Pakistan’s Foreign Office put out an official statement, reaffirming the need for “renewed international involvement” in the Kashmir dispute.
Kashmir is an Internal Matter
New Delhi was quick to dismiss Pakistan’s position. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement:
“Kashmir is and will remain an integral part of India. The Simla Agreement is not dead—it’s Pakistan that has repeatedly undermined it by backing cross-border terrorism and refusing constructive dialogue.”
Indian officials further accused Pakistan of trying to divert attention from its internal instability and economic crisis by raising the Kashmir bogey.
Political Chess or Desperation
Analysts believe Asif’s statements signify more than just diplomatic aggression; they are a strategic realignment. Given Pakistan’s mounting economic pressure, internal unrest, and fading support from global allies, the civilian and military establishments may be attempting to gain some sort of leverage by putting Kashmir back on the international agenda.
Furthermore, since China is beginning to disengage diplomatically from issues in South Asia and the US is rapidly formalizing its strategic relationship with India, Pakistan was simply repositioning itself as a vocal regional player through the Kashmir narrative.
Precautioning, Shades of Support
The global response has been cautious yet attentive. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General urged both nations to “maintain dialogue and avoid provocation.” Meanwhile, Turkey and Malaysia have expressed tentative support for Pakistan’s appeal to internationalize the issue.
China, which is typically a close partner of Pakistan, did not directly endorse the comments made by Asif, but did encourage “regional peace and mutual respect.”
Importantly, no major Western powers have supported Pakistan’s statements thus far, demonstrating a wait-and-see approach.
Strategic and Security Implications
Security experts are concerned that this diplomatic escalation may lead to heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). As recently reported in the Poonch and Kupwara sectors, India has recorded skirmishes, thus, rhetoric may develop into real-time implications.
India is reportedly enhancing operational border surveillance and putting relevant Northern Command units on heightened alert. In turn, Pakistani media are reporting high-level military consultative meetings aimed at developing a possible response strategy.
End of a Framework or Beginning of a Storm?
The Simla Agreement, once hailed as a beacon of post-war reconciliation, is now at risk of being reduced to diplomatic history. If Pakistan formally withdraws from it or ceases to recognize its authority, this could mark the beginning of a more volatile phase in India-Pakistan relations.
It remains to be seen whether Asif’s remarks are a symbolic political signal or an organized, international campaign to reframe the Kashmir issue in the public mind.
The Road Ahead
As Khawaja Asif’s bombshell statement settles, the world is now watching South Asia. The diplomatic chessboard is changing, and whether that next move leads to effective or increased freeze in relations will depend on what both New Delhi and Islamabad decide to do next, as well as how the international community will choose to entertain this long-standing dispute.
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