The Foreign Office on Thursday strongly criticised India’s reported plans to divert water from the Chenab River to the Beas River, warning that the desilting of the Salal Dam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is a matter of grave concern for Pakistan.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan would safeguard its rights over the Chenab River under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and other international laws and stressed that India is legally bound to adhere to the treaty’s provisions.
The spokesperson maintained that any unilateral action affecting the flow of water from the western rivers would be closely monitored and addressed through appropriate channels in accordance with international obligations.
Responding to a question, he stated that the continued terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan have tested Pakistan’s patience. He emphasised that attacks on Pakistani citizens and law enforcement agencies can no longer be tolerated.
The spokesperson noted that Pakistan has been one of the countries most affected by terrorism, with thousands of its citizens sacrificing their lives. He said that Pakistani security forces continue to face cross-border terrorism involving planning, financing, and sponsorship from outside the country. No responsible state, he added, can remain silent when its sovereignty and the security of its citizens are threatened.
Andrabi highlighted several diplomatic engagements that took place over the past two weeks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a successful visit to China, during which Pakistan and China signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Following his visit to China, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled to the United States, where he held meetings with senior American officials. During these discussions, he addressed efforts to promote peace and stability, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly praised Pakistan’s role in mediation.
Answering another question, he stated that Pakistan is making continuous diplomatic efforts to ease growing tensions between the United States and Iran and to promote peace in the region. He reiterated that Pakistan has consistently maintained that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than conflict. He noted that Pakistan’s leadership has recently engaged in intensive diplomatic contacts with China, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and other important international partners to promote regional peace, strengthen global cooperation, and address shared challenges.
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