Islamabad: Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to the full implementation of the Indus Water Treaty in response to India’s recent notice seeking a reassessment of the accord, the Foreign Office announced on Thursday. The statement came amid ongoing tensions and disputes over water sharing between the two neighboring countries.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a weekly news briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed various issues, including the recent developments concerning the Indus Water Treaty. She emphasized that Pakistan views the treaty as crucial and expressed hope that India would continue to comply with its provisions. Baloch highlighted the presence of an established mechanism through the Indus Water Commissioners, where both nations are able to discuss treaty-related issues.
The spokesperson also touched on the subject of elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, labeling them as farcical. Baloch reiterated that any electoral process carried out under the Indian constitution in this region does not hold legal validity under international law, due to the internationally recognized disputed status of the area. She referred to UN Security Council resolutions, which mandate that the final resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should align with the wishes of the Kashmiri people through a UN-supervised plebiscite.
Additionally, the briefing covered a recent diplomatic incident involving the Acting Afghan Consul General in Peshawar. Baloch condemned the diplomat’s refusal to stand during the Pakistani national anthem at a public event, describing it as a breach of diplomatic norms. She stated that this action has offended the people of Pakistan and mentioned that the Pakistani government has lodged a strong protest with the Afghan authorities. The Foreign Office is considering further actions following internal deliberations and discussions with the Afghan government.
The Foreign Office’s statements underline Pakistan’s ongoing dedication to upholding international treaties and norms, while also dealing with regional disputes and diplomatic challenges.