Islamabad: Pakistan has categorically affirmed that it retains all options necessary to safeguard its rights and entitlements under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and protect its vital national interests. This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, while responding to the queries regarding the invitation of bids by the Indian government for a project to transfer water from the Chenab to the Beas River at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad today.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Spokesperson said such an inter-basin diversion of water from the Chenab into the Beas River system constitutes a grave violation of not just the Indus Waters Treaty, but also of the laws of treaties, particularly the Vienna Convention on the Laws of Treaties, as well as the broader framework of international water law, including the principles reflected in the 1997 UN Convention on Water Courses. He also described the proposed silt flushing of the Salal Dam reservoir in the Reasi district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a deeply concerning development. He noted it would provide water control capability that is not permissible either under the Indus Waters Treaty or the 1978 Salal agreement.
The spokesperson said India has neither officially communicated nor shared any notice of these projects, nor has it sought consultations in this regard. He said these projects confirm that India seeks to weaponize water, which carries dangerous implications, not only for Pakistan's economy but also for regional stability and international peace and security.
Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan has exercised restraint and responsibility and remains committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes. However, he made it clear that any illegal action to endanger Pakistan's water, food, and economic security, as well as the survival and well-being of its 250 million people, is unacceptable. He said such actions amount to further destabilization of South Asia with potentially grave consequences for the people of the entire region.
The spokesperson urged the international community to call upon India to desist from any form of water coercion, abandon projects that seek to stop, reduce, or divert water flow legally belonging to Pakistan, and restore full and faithful implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
When asked about the visit of the Swiss Ambassador to India to the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute. He said the visit of any international personality does not alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir as an internationally recognized dispute whose resolution is to be achieved through an independent and impartial plebiscite.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan's position on the Abraham Accords remains consistent. He said the benchmark is the establishment of a viable and contiguous state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He said the policy in this regard remains unchanged.
When asked about President Donald Trump's latest statement that Iran talks could yield results over the coming weekend, the spokesperson said this is a positive spirit. He said Pakistan remains ready to again host US-Iran talks and would like an agreement to be reached sooner rather than later.