ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed its readiness to engage in discussions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with India.
Following India’s formal notification to amend the bilateral treaty due to “fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances,” the Foreign Office announced on Thursday that all talks could proceed within the existing framework of the treaty.
During her weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was asked about India’s intentions to reassess the water-sharing agreement. In her response, Ms. Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the treaty, stating that the issues could be addressed between the appointed commissioners for Indus Waters from both countries.
Emphasizing Existing Mechanism for Deliberations
The commissioners are part of the Permanent Indus Commission, which includes officials from both India and Pakistan, overseeing the treaty’s implementation and facilitating data exchange.
“The Indus Waters Treaty has been a vital agreement that has benefited both Pakistan and India for decades. We consider it the gold standard of bilateral water-sharing treaties, and Pakistan is fully committed to its implementation. We expect India to uphold its commitment as well,” Ms. Baloch remarked, highlighting that the commission is the “appropriate forum” for discussing and resolving all treaty-related issues.
Condemnation of Lebanon Attack
In addition, the Foreign Office spokesperson condemned the recent detonation of communication devices in Lebanon, labeling it a “reprehensible act of terrorism.” She reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering stance against terrorism and extended condolences to the victims and the government of Lebanon.
Ms. Baloch described the recurring attacks as a sign of Israel’s “alarming adventurism” in the region and reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and emphasized the need for implementing the International Court of Justice’s advisory from July, which deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and stressed the importance of upholding Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Action Against Afghan Diplomat
Additionally, Ms. Baloch stated that actions against the Afghan consul general for “disrespecting” Pakistan’s national anthem were still under consideration. The Foreign Office has already lodged a formal protest with the Afghan embassy, seeking an explanation for the conduct of Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, who remained seated during the national anthem at a recent event in Peshawar.
“We have conveyed our strong protest to the Afghan authorities, and decisions will be made following internal discussions and consultations with the Afghan government,” she noted, adding that Pakistan reserves the right to take action in accordance with diplomatic norms and practices.
