Pakistan Clarifies Simla Agreement Status
Following controversial remarks by Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, regarding the 1972 Simla Agreement, the Foreign Ministry has issued a clarification.
Background
Defence Minister Asif had declared the Simla Agreement a "dead document," sparking concern about the future of Indo-Pakistani relations.
Foreign Ministry's Statement
A senior foreign office official stated that despite internal discussions triggered by recent events, no formal decision has been made to revoke the Simla Agreement or any other bilateral agreements with India. The official emphasized that all treaties, including the Simla Agreement, remain operational.
Asif's Initial Remarks
Asif's earlier comments suggested that India's actions, specifically the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, had rendered the agreement obsolete. He also implied a need for international intervention in future disputes.
Simla Agreement Significance
The Simla Agreement, signed after the 1971 war, is a cornerstone of Indo-Pakistani relations, intended to promote peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue. Recent tensions saw retaliatory attacks, but a ceasefire was established after military discussions on May 10.