The government in Islamabad has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fully implementing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and expects India to do the same. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made this statement during her weekly news briefing on Thursday in response to media inquiries about India’s notice seeking a reassessment of the treaty.
“Pakistan views the Indus Waters Treaty as significant and hopes that India will comply with its provisions,” she stated. Baloch highlighted that both countries have a mechanism involving Indus Water Commissioners, which allows for discussion of any issues related to the treaty.
She described the electoral process in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as farcical and reminded India that, due to the internationally recognized disputed status of the region, any elections conducted under the Indian constitution lack legal validity according to international law. She emphasized that relevant UN Security Council resolutions stipulate that the final resolution of the IIOJK dispute must reflect the will of the Kashmiri people through a UN-supervised plebiscite. Thus, any alternative process cannot replace the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people.
In response to another question, the spokesperson rejected the acting Afghan consul general’s justification for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at an event in Peshawar, calling it a breach of diplomatic norms, as reported by Radio Pakistan. She condemned the Afghan official’s actions, stating they have hurt the sentiments of the Pakistani people.
Baloch further noted that Pakistan has formally protested to the Afghan authorities regarding the incident and that decisions will be made after internal discussions and negotiations with the Afghan government. She affirmed that Pakistan reserves the right to respond in accordance with diplomatic norms and practices.
