Pakistan to protect sanctity of Indus Waters Treaty by all means: Tarar
- Says IWT can't be amended, revoked, suspended, held in abeyance unilaterally
Pakistan's Information Minister affirmed the nation's unwavering commitment to protecting the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing its critical role as a lifeline and warning against any unilateral attempts to alter or stop water flow.
- Pakistan's commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty.
- The treaty's unalterable nature without mutual consent.
- Warnings against weaponizing water and unilateral actions.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday expressed Pakistan’s resolve to protect the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by all means.
Addressing the opening session of the seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, he said the Indus is our lifeline and vowed to protect the inalienable right of 240 million people of Pakistan to the waters of the Indus River System, Radio Pakistan reported.
An international seminar on IWT is underway in Islamabad to highlight Pakistan’s water rights under the treaty. The seminar is deliberating upon various aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The information minister said it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these waters remain a symbol of peace and shared prosperity for generations to come. “Pakistan stands firm in its determination to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people who are linked to the Indus River,” he maintained.
Tarar said the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be amended, revoked, suspended or held in abeyance unilaterally. He mentioned that this pact came into being after mutual consensus and only mutual consensus can lead to any amendment.
“India’s failed attempt to unilaterally hold this treaty in abeyance has led to international embarrassment for India at various forums, including legal ones,” he said.
Highlighting the challenge posed by climate change and water scarcity, the minister emphasised that protecting the IWT is of the utmost essence. He said any attempt to block or stop water will always fail.
He noted that the weaponisation of water or attempts to unilaterally alter established arrangements undermine not only regional peace and stability but also the broader framework of international law.
“Pakistan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue as well as the faithful implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty,” he stated.
He warned if any attempt is made to stop the water of Pakistan, our leadership stands resolved to respond effectively to restore the water for the people of Pakistan.