ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday warned of “appropriate action” if India violates the Indus Water Treaty and said it is closely monitoring the situation, amid reports that New Delhi may revisit the key
water-sharing accord.
“Appropriate action will be taken in line with the Treaty in case of any violation by India,” Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at the weekly briefing. Pakistan was keeping a close eye on the situation, Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying. His remarks come amid reports that India may review the 56-year-old Treaty.
Zakaria said India is making “desperate attempts” to divert attention from the “atrocities and human rights
violations” being committed in Kashmir. He said Pakistan is highlighting Indian brutalities in Kashmir at world fora and there has been “very substantive outcome” of these efforts, but the international community remains concerned about the situation. Responding to a question, he claimed India violated ceasefire
at the Line of Control more than 90 times this year.
The notion of isolating Pakistan is “ridiculous”, Zakaria claimed, adding that India’s “negative attitude” has been exposed which is the biggest hurdle in the way of regional development and prosperity. He also termed the Indian treatment to the Pakistani artistes as “very disappointing and highly regrettable” as he deplored India’s decision to “use SAARC for its political ambition”, according to the report.
Zakaria also referred to a media report quoting US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who described tensions between India and Pakistan as a “very, very hot tinderbox” and offered to be “the mediator or arbitrator”.
Zakaria noted that though Pakistan does not comment on media reports usually, in this case it welcomed the mediation offer.
“We continue to urge our American friends, including those in the administration, to play their due role in resolving bilateral issues between Pakistan and India, particularly the Kashmir dispute,” he said.