Pakistan withdraw Simla Agreement, What is the Simla Agreement and Why Pakistan’s Suspension of It Matters

In a dramatic diplomatic move, Pakistan on Thursday suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, a foundational peace accord with India, in response to stringent measures taken by New Delhi amid nationwide grief over a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This suspension marks a potential shift in Pakistan’s approach to its long-standing tensions with India, particularly over Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the Simla Agreement?

The Simla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It came in the wake of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh following India’s intervention in support of East Pakistan.

The agreement aimed to restore peace and normalize relations between the two countries. It was a significant diplomatic milestone, shaping the framework for bilateral engagement in the decades that followed.

Key Provisions of the Simla Agreement

• 1. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes:
• Both nations agreed to resolve all outstanding issues — including Kashmir — through bilateral negotiations, without third-party mediation.
• 2. Respect for the Line of Control (LoC):
• The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was converted into the Line of Control (LoC). Both sides committed not to unilaterally alter it or use force.
• 3. Upholding the UN Charter:
• Relations between the two nations were to be governed by the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
• 4. Return of Territory and Prisoners:
• India returned over 13,000 sq km of land captured during the war and facilitated the repatriation of more than 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war.
• 5. Commitment to Peaceful Co-existence:
• Both countries pledged to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs and to foster good neighbourly relations.

Why Pakistan’s Suspension Matters

Pakistan’s decision to suspend the Simla Agreement comes amid heightened tensions and a diplomatic freeze since India’s abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Since then, Pakistan has downgraded diplomatic ties and consistently raised the Kashmir issue in international forums.

Suspending the Simla Agreement could signal a strategic pivot. Without the agreement, Pakistan may actively seek third-party mediation, possibly involving the United Nations, China, or the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — a move that runs counter to the bilateral framework outlined in the agreement.

Potential Impact on the LoC

The LoC has historically been a volatile flashpoint, with frequent ceasefire violations, infiltration attempts, and cross-border skirmishes. If the commitment to maintain its sanctity is no longer respected, tensions could escalate, risking military confrontations.

What Next?

While the suspension may not lead to immediate action on the ground, it raises the stakes for future diplomacy and security in South Asia. It could embolden aggressive posturing on both sides and further erode any remaining chances for constructive dialogue.

India has yet to respond officially to Pakistan’s announcement.

Bottom Line

The suspension of the Simla Agreement is more than a symbolic act — it questions the very foundation of India-Pakistan engagement for over five decades and could redefine how both countries address disputes moving forward.