🕊️ Simla Agreement Is Over: Pakistan’s Shift to Internationalizing Kashmir
Introduction
A personal anecdote to begin — remembering my university days in Shimla, exploring the winding lanes and learning how the Simla Agreement of 1972 shaped India–Pakistan relations. Fast forward to June 2025, when Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, declared the agreement “dead.” What does this mean for South Asia?
What Was the Simla Agreement?
Signed July 2, 1972, by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto post‑1971 war .
Key provisions:
Bilateral resolution of disputes
Conversion of ceasefire line to LoC
Respect for territorial integrity
Why Is Pakistan Abandoning it Now?
Catalyst – Revocation of Article 370 (2019)
India revoked Kashmir’s special status in August 2019 — Pakistan previously “suspended” the pact .
Recent Escalations (2025)
April 2025 Pahalgam attack killed 26 tourists → India suspended Indus Waters Treaty → Pakistan retaliated by suspending Simla, closing airspace, halting trade .
Khawaja Asif (June 5): Simla “dead document”, LoC now ceasefire line, aiming for international forum .
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry denies officially ending Simla — calls Asif’s remarks “foot‑in‑mouth” .
Implications of the Shift
Return to Pre‑1972 Status
LoC loses its legal sanctity, reverting to UN ceasefire line (1948) .
Opens possibility of Kashmir issue before UN, ICJ, or other multilateral forums.
Security & Military Fallout
Experts warn this is “suicidal” — frees India from LoC obligations; risk of conventional/nuclear escalation .
LoC shelling and missile/drone exchanges continue to rise.
Diplomatic Standoff
Pakistan declares “act of war” on water treaty disruptions .
India responds by sanctions, diplomatic downgrades, and airspace blocking.
Internationalization of Kashmir
Pakistani leaders pushing for global attention — at Shangri‑La Dialogue, in G20, and via UNSC .
India maintains preference for bilateral talks.
2025 Statistics & Data
Indicator India Pakistan
Defence spending (% of GDP) ~2.9 % ~3.6 %
Military personnel ~1.45 million ~0.64 million
Incidents along Line of Control (2024) ~1,750 ceasefire violations Similar levels
Bilateral trade value $7 billion — (largely halted mid‑2025)
Tourism decline in Kashmir –30 % year‑on‑year —
Source: SIPRI, Ministry of Defence budgets (2025 estimates)
Real‑Life Examples
April 24–May 10, 2025: This period saw drone strikes and missile exchanges—U.S. brokered ceasefire .
Shangri‑La Dialogue (May 2025): Pakistani general sounded alarm on escalation risks .
What Comes Next?
Potential Scenarios
1. Full bilateral breakdown: Simla collapse → LoC militarization → heightened tensions
2. Partial reversal: Pakistan backtracks due to diplomatic pressure
3. Multipolar mediation: Third-party (U.S., China, U.K.) steps in
Stakeholders
India: Stressing Terror Diplomacy concerns and strategic stability
Pakistan: Pursuing Kashmir internationalization
Global Powers: Calling for restraint and dialogue
Local Populations: Facing border skirmishes and economic fallout
Conclusion
Pakistan’s assertion that “Simla Agreement is over” signals a strategic pivot. While it allows Islamabad to bring Kashmir to the global stage, it risks undermining decades of bilateral dispute-resolution mechanisms. Escalation remains a real threat unless both nations recalibrate strategy, embrace restraint, and re-engage diplomatically.
✅ FAQs
1. What is the Simla Agreement?
A bilateral treaty signed July 2, 1972, defining LoC, resolving disputes through talks .
2. Can Pakistan legally terminate the Simla Agreement?
No. The pact remains binding until both sides mutually agree to amend or terminate it. Islamabad’s remarks are declaratory.
3. What caused Pakistan to abandon it in 2025?
Triggered by India’s revocation of Article 370 and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after a 2025 terror attack.
4. How will this change impact Kashmir?
May legitimize international intervention but raises risk of militarization across LoC.
5. What’s next for India–Pakistan relations?
Possible outcomes include re-engagement, third-party mediation, or deeper bilateral confrontation.
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