Pakistan and India have announced the suspension of various agreements. To assess the implications of this development, it’s important to review the key agreements that have historically governed their relations.
Nehru-Liaquat Agreement (1950)
The Nehru-Liaquat Agreement of 1950 was the first accord between the two nations, focusing on the protection of minority rights. It aimed to address the increasing violence against Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities following the partition, committing both countries to ensure equal rights and safety for these minorities.
Indus Waters Treaty (1960)
Another significant agreement is the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which regulates the use of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. This treaty allocated control of three rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and allowed India to utilize the waters of three others (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej). Its success highlights a mutual willingness to resolve pressing issues through dialogue.
Simla Agreement (1972)
The Simla Agreement of 1972 marked another critical point in their relationship, established after the 1971 war. It emphasized peaceful dispute resolution and ongoing dialogue, particularly regarding sensitive issues like Kashmir. Pakistan contends that India violated this agreement in 2019 by revoking Kashmir’s special status, a matter of serious concern for Islamabad.
Protocol on Religious Sites (1974)
In 1974, the Protocol on Religious Sites was created, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other’s holy places, facilitating pilgrimages to sites like Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan and Ajmer Sharif in India.
Non-Attack Agreement on Nuclear Installations (1988)
The Non-Attack Agreement on Nuclear Installations was signed in 1988, requiring both nations to exchange lists of their nuclear facilities annually on January 1 and to avoid damaging each other’s nuclear sites.
Airspace violation agreement (1991)
In 1991, an agreement to prevent airspace violations was established, mandating military aircraft from both countries to remain at least 10 kilometers apart to avert accidents.Lahore Declaration (1999)
The Lahore Declaration of 1999 underscored the necessity of dialogue to normalize relations and resolve disputes, including commitments to regular discussions on nuclear and conventional issues.
Line of Control Ceasefire agreement (2003)
The Line of Control Ceasefire Agreement was reached in 2003, aiming to prevent firing and border violations, although it has faced numerous breaches, particularly following the rise of Narendra Modi’s government in 2014.
Agreement to Reduce Risks of Nuclear Weapon Accidents (2007)
Lastly, the Agreement to Reduce Risks of Nuclear Weapon Accidents was established in 2007, focusing on enhancing the security of nuclear arsenals and ensuring prompt communication in the event of a nuclear incident.
The history of these agreements reflects ongoing attempts to engage in dialogue and seek resolutions to various issues. With the recent announcement to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, a reassessment of these accords is necessary.
Despite the current tensions, the significance of these agreements remains, as they provide a critical foundation for stability in Pakistan-India relations.
