Pakistan retains all options to safeguard its rights under IWT: FO

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 invitation of bids by the Indian government for a project to transfer water from Chenab to Beas at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Radio Pakistan reported.

The spokesperson said such an inter-basin diversion of water of Chenab into Beas River system constitute a grave violation of not just  the Indus water treaty, but also of the laws of treaty, particularly the Vienna Convention on the Laws of Treaty, as well as 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 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 Water Treaty or the 1978 Salal agreement.

The spokesperson said India has neither officially communicated nor shared any notice of these projects nor it has sought consultations in this regard. He said these projects confirm that India seeks to weaponize water. This 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 we remain 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 potential 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 water treaty.

When asked about the visit of Swiss Ambassador to India to the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized international dispute.  He said the visit of any international personality does not alter the status of the Jammu and Kashmir as an internationally recognised dispute whose resolution is to be achieved through independent and impartial plebiscite.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan’s position on Abraham Accords remains consistent. He said our 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 our 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 and would like an agreement to be reached sooner rather than later.