Since its signing on July 2, 1972, Pakistan has upheld the spirit of the Shimla Agreement, despite what officials describe as frequent and deliberate violations of its core principles by India.
The agreement negotiated in Shimla after the conflict in 1971 between India on its behest due to war on 1971 tensions and was on addressing differences bilaterally and respecting each other’s sovereignty. Nevertheless, Pakistani authorities claim that India has never respected such pledges.
Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on June 4, 2025: The Shimla Agreement basically no longer exists. It was stipulated that the resolution of disputes will be done bilaterally but India has constantly violated it.
It is pointed out by the observers that India refusing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, breached the agreement in the most obvious way. Pakistan argues that it was an action that broke the spirit of bilateralism that was put up in Shimla.
Retired Lt. General Abdul Qayyum said, India has opportunely utilized the Shimla Agreement. They have crossed the Line of Control, that is, conducted the Balakot attacks, and even been restricting the work of UN observers.
Pakistan’s stance follows concerns that India may also walk away from the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement between the two countries.
Pakistani analysts call Shimla Agreement a testimony to the numerous Indian violations more than 50 years after this document was signed and it now acts as no more than a reminder to unkept promises.
Analysts point out that while Pakistan has consistently pursued a policy of peace, the principle of bilateral resolution has often been sacrificed at the altar of India’s shifting political objectives.
