ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Amit Shah`s assertion that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan `will never be restored,` saying it was a flagrant violation of international commitments.

The Foreign Office (FO) issued a sharp response following Mr Shah`s remarks in a newspaper interview, where he said India planned to divert water from the Indus River system for domestic use. `We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably,` Shah had said.

Reacting to the statement, FO said: `The statement reflects a brazen disregard for the sanctity of international agreements.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, governs the sharing of the Indus basin`s six rivers between India and Pakistan.

India suspended its participation in the treaty following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in occupied Kashmir.

In Saturday`s statement, Pakistan reiterated that India has no legal grounds to unilaterally revoke or suspend the treaty.

`The Indus Waters Treaty is not a political arrangement, but an international treaty with no provision for unilateral action. India`s illegal announcement to hold the treaty in abeyance constitutes a clear violation of international law, the provisions of the treaty itself, and the fundamental principles governing inter-state relations,` FO said.

It added: `Such conduct sets a reckless and dangerous precedent one that undermines the credibility of international agreements and raises serious questions about the reliability and trustworthiness of a state that openly refuses to fulfill its legal obligations.

`Weaponising water for political ends is irresponsible and contrary to established norms of responsible state behavior. India must immediately rescind its unilateral and unlawful stance and restore the full and unhindered implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty,` FO said.

Despite India`s continued refusal to re-engage, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the treaty.

`For its part, Pakistan remains firmly committed to the treaty and will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and entitlements under it, the statement concluded.