Pakistan has said that any move by India to divert or alter the natural flow of the River Chenab, including its diversion towards the Beas River, would be a violation of international laws governing shared water resources, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that unilateral actions by India cannot change the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. He said such steps were inconsistent with established international norms.
The spokesperson noted that Pakistan had remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts over the past two weeks. He added that international contacts had been frequent and focused on regional developments and peace-related matters in the Middle East.
He further said that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio had acknowledged Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts and that US leadership had appreciated Pakistan’s contribution towards promoting peace in the region.
Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan remains committed to playing a sincere and constructive role in maintaining stability in the region. He reiterated that Islamabad supports peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
Tahir Andrabi said they are hopeful for a peace agreement between Iran and the US. He added Pakistan is also ready to host the talks.
He also condemned ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, stating that Pakistan strongly opposes what it describes as continued aggression against the Palestinian people.
According to national media, Andrabi, while responding to the queries regarding invitation of bids by the Indian government for a project to transfer water from Chenab to Beas said Pakistan has categorically affirmed that it retains all options necessary to safeguard its rights and entitlements under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and protect its vital national interests.
The Spokesperson said such an inter-basin diversion of water of Chenab into Beas River system constitute a grave violation of not just the Indus water treaty, but also of the laws of treaty, particularly the Vienna Convention on the Laws of Treaty, as well as broader framework of international water law. including the principles reflected in the 1997 UN Convention on Water Courses.
He also described the proposed silt flushing of the Salal Dam reservoir in Reasi district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a deeply concerning development. He noted it would provide water control capability that is not permissible either under the Indus Water Treaty or the 1978 Salal agreement.
The spokesperson said India has neither officially communicated nor shared any notice of these projects nor it has sought consultations in this regard. He said these projects confirm that India seeks to weaponize water. This carries dangerous implications, not only for Pakistan's economy, but also for regional stability and international peace and security.
Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan has exercised restraint and responsibility and we remain committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
However, he made it clear that any illegal action to endanger Pakistan's water, food and economic security, as well as the survival and well-being of its 250 million people is unacceptable. He said such actions amount to further destabilization of South Asia with potential grave consequences for the people of the entire region.
The spokesperson urged the international community to call upon India to desist from any form of water coercion, abandon projects that seek to stop, reduce or divert water flow legally belonging to Pakistan and restore full and faithful implementation of the Indus water treaty.
When asked about the visit of Swiss Ambassador to India to the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized international dispute. He said the visit of any international personality does not alter the status of the Jammu and Kashmir as an internationally recognised dispute whose resolution is to be achieved through independent and impartial plebiscite.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan's position on Abraham Accords remains consistent. He said our benchmark is the establishment of a viable and contiguous state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He said our policy in this regard remains unchanged.
When asked about President Donald Trump's latest statement that Iran talks could yield results over the coming weekend, the spokesperson said this is a positive spirit. He said Pakistan remains ready to again host US-Iran and would like an agreement to be reached sooner rather than later.