PM tells UN chief: India’s IWT abeyance decision has no legal basis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday that India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance had no legal basis.

He described the treaty as a binding international agreement that could not be unilaterally suspended.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between the prime minister and the UN chief, who is visiting Pakistan.

Sharif also briefed Guterres on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran.

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He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable means of resolving disputes and preventing escalation.

The prime minister also raised the Kashmir dispute, calling for its peaceful settlement in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

On Afghanistan, he said Pakistan wanted to see a peaceful and stable country but remained seriously concerned about terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.

He called for concrete and verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.

The two sides also discussed the situation in Palestine. Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood and backed implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

UN reform and the future of multilateralism also came under discussion.

Sharif welcomed the UN80 Initiative, saying reforms should reflect the priorities of developing countries while strengthening the UN’s role in conflict prevention, peaceful settlement of disputes, peacekeeping and peace building.

Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the UN, particularly its role in peacekeeping and constructive engagement in the UN Security Council.

He also welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation, said a statement issued by the Pirme Minister’s Office.

The prime minister later hosted a dinner in honour of the UN secretary-general and his delegation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026