Islamabad: Pakistan has voiced grave concerns over the manipulation of flow of Chenab River by India. At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the country’s Indus Water Commissioner has written a letter to his Indian counterpart seeking clarification on the matter in accordance with the provisions enshrined in the Indus Water Treaty.
According to Radio Pakistan, Tahir Andrabi emphasized that any manipulation of river flow by India, especially at a critical time of Pakistan’s agricultural cycle, directly threatens the lives and livelihoods, as well as the food and economic security of its citizens. The spokesperson called upon India to respond to the queries raised by Pakistan, refrain from any unilateral manipulation of river flows, and fulfill its obligations under the Indus Water Treaty.
Tahir Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the Indus Water Treaty is a binding international agreement, serving as an instrument of peace, security, and stability in the region. He warned that its breach or violation threatens the inviolability of international treaties and compliance with international law, and poses a serious threat to regional peace, principles of good neighborliness, and norms governing inter-state relations.
The spokesperson further stated that Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes with India but will not compromise on the existential water rights of its people. He mentioned that all options will be exercised to ensure that Pakistan’s water supply is not restricted by India, and emphasized that water should not be weaponized, as it would constitute a flagrant violation of international law.
In addition to the water dispute, the spokesperson strongly regretted the forcible removal of a Muslim woman’s hijab by the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Bihar. He asserted that this action risks normalizing the humiliation of Muslim women in India and demonstrates public disrespect for India’s religious minorities, particularly Muslim citizens. Andrabi urged the Indian government to recognize the seriousness of this incident, protect the rights of minorities, respect religious freedom, and preserve human dignity.
Responding to a question regarding the latest UN Security Council report, Tahir Andrabi noted that it corroborates Pakistan’s stance to the Afghan Taliban regime and the wider international community, highlighting that the presence of terror elements in Afghanistan poses a major threat to regional peace and security. He expressed hope that the findings of the UN Security Council report will be heard clearly across world capitals.