Islamabad: Pakistan has once again called upon India to return to full compliance with the Indus Water Treaty and fulfill its obligations under the agreement, asserting that Islamabad will never compromise on its existential water rights. This statement was made by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, during his weekly media briefing in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan's legal teams participated in the proceedings of the Court of Arbitration in The Hague earlier this month. They requested the court to address the implications and application of the Indus Water Treaty concerning certain design elements on the run-of-river hydroelectric projects. India, although invited by the court to participate, chose not to appear, despite its obligation under the treaty.
Addressing a question about India's Sawalkote Hydropower Project on the River Chenab, the Spokesperson stated that the matter has been raised at the level of Indus Water Commissioners for information and consultations as mandated by the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. Andrabi emphasized that the treaty remains a binding international instrument, and no unilateral action or defiance can alter this legal reality.
The Spokesperson reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peacefully resolving disputes and issues with India through dialogue and international legal mechanisms. He also expressed deep concern over the lynching incidents of Muslims in India, revealing that at least fifty-five Muslims were lynched across the country last year, indicating a pattern of targeted and hate-motivated violence.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson provided evidence of these incidents, highlighting the complicity of local authorities and political leaders, which underscores the state and political patronage enabling such crimes. Andrabi called upon the Indian government to investigate these incidents transparently and impartially, holding perpetrators accountable.
Addressing another question about the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team Report on terrorist groups in Afghanistan, Andrabi stated that the report supports Pakistan's narrative on TTP and Afghanistan. It highlights the presence of TTP and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, with the interim government providing a permissive environment for these groups. The report corroborates Pakistan's position that TTP resurgence is linked to the post-2021 interim Afghan government takeover.
The Spokesperson emphasized that the report is significant, and Pakistan will follow up with the relevant UN bodies and members of the international community. Additionally, Andrabi confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit the United States to attend the meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza, representing a collective voice of eight Islamic and Arab countries.