ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday said India was in no position to make a unilateral decision on the Indus Waters Treaty which is of critical importance for Pakistan’s water security and economy.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad said the unlawful, unilateral, and irresponsible Indian announcement threatens the very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties.
He added the statement by the National Security Committee is very unambiguous in terms of explaining Pakistan’s position on this important issue. “The Indus water treaty is of critical importance for Pakistan’s water security and economy,” he said.
At least 26 people were killed and 17 others injured when gunmen opened fire on visitors in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Tuesday. Soon after the incident India suspended the decades-old Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and announced the cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan in his remarks said that Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to preserve the sanctity and smooth implementation of the Indus Water Treaty.
“Pakistan is a responsible country. It remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under international law and bilateral agreements. However, it takes two to tango. India should not create a situation where we are constrained to take extreme steps,” he added.
He went on to say the treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension.
“Water is a Vital National Interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs,” Shafqat Ali Khan stated.
He warned any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparians will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power.
He said India has almost 800,000 security forces deployed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who practically have a license to kill any Kashmiri.
Pakistani prisoners
Foreign Office Spokesperson to a question regarding the fate of Pakistani prisoners languishing in Indian jails said this issue is of utmost importance. “We hope and trust that India will live up to its international and human rights obligations to look after the prisoners, who are undergoing their sentences in the Indian prisons,” he added.
Waqf bill
The Spokesperson for India’s controversial Waqf bill said there is a very alarming trend of mistreatment of minorities in India adding the situation has even gone beyond mistreatment.
“It is making difficult the life of all minorities, including Muslims and Christians, but primarily of Muslims, in terms of their culture, and freedom to practice their religion. There are harrowing tales coming from India, and we keep flagging it for the attention of the international community,” said the Pakistani diplomat.
Ties with Afghanistan
Shafqat Ali Khan highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties with Afghanistan said Pakistan desires friendly relations with Afghanistan, and it was in pursuit of this objective that the Deputy Prime Minister of the country Ishaq Dar paid an important visit to Afghanistan.
He noted various important understandings have been reached between the two sides, particularly in the area of strong political interactions at the Foreign Ministry level; easing the challenges impeding the full potential of trade; and with regards to the problems related to repatriation and return of Afghan refugees.
Pakistan-UAE ties
Foreign Office Spokesperson to question said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a very important friend and partner of Pakistan. He added there is a huge Pakistani diaspora, who is doing very well in UAE, and who have contributed enormously to UAE’s development, and they have been looked after very well by the UAE.
