All options on the table to defend water right: FO

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Friday warned that India's move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty had threatened the "very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties", saying the country would take whatever it could to protect its interests.

A day after the country's civil and military leadership declared that any attempt to divert or stop water belonging to Pakistan would be considered as an act of war, the Foreign Office spokesperson said the 1960 treaty was of critical importance for Pakistan's water security and economy.

Agriculture accounts for 25% of Pakistan's GDP. The sector also produces 45% percent overall jobs. More than 80% of Pakistani water needs are met through rivers that pass through Indian territory.

Experts, however, are of the view that technically it is next to impossible for India to stop the flow of water immediately.

They say it may take several years and mega dams and vast canal systems to divert river that belongs to Pakistan.

Pakistan, nevertheless, considers the Indus Waters Treaty as redline. The National Security Committee warned that Pakistan would use full force if India diverts or stops its due share of water.

"The unlawful, unilateral, and irresponsible Indian announcement threatens the very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties," Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters at his weekly news briefing.

He said that Pakistan would do everything to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty as all options were on the table to preserve the treaty sanctified by international law, and bilateral treaties.

"The Indus Waters Treaty has been very clear. It's unambiguous… All options are on the table for Pakistan. It is our lifeline. It is our right, sanctified by international law, customary law, bilateral treaties. We will do everything to secure this right for our people," the spokesperson said.

He told the media that Pakistan was in touch with all the friendly countries to convey its position clearly, however, there were no mediation efforts so far.

He said the statement by the National Security Committee was "very unambiguous" in terms of explaining Pakistan's position on this important issue.

"The Indus water treaty is of critical importance for Pakistan's water security and economy. Naturally, we will take all appropriate steps to preserve its sanctity and smooth implementation. In the absence of any relevant legal provisions in the treaty, India is in no position to make a unilateral decision to hold it in abeyance," he argued.

He said Thursday's announcement by NSC should be seen in this context. "Pakistan is a responsible country. It remains committed to fulfill its obligations under international law and bilateral agreements. However, it takes two to tango. India should not create a situation where we are constrained to take extreme steps," he said.

When asked, the spokesperson said Pakistan was in touch with all "friends" in capitals abroad and here in Islamabad. "And we are conveying our position clearly. At this point, I do not have any information about mediation efforts," he added.

Commenting about the apprehension that Indian could misuse the Pakistani prisoners for its anti-Pakistan motives, the spokesperson expressed the hope that the neighboring country would fulfill its international and human rights obligations to look after the prisoners undergoing sentences in its jails.

He said the relationship between the two countries was based on certain structural foundations of legal agreements but "if one country is utterly disinterested in any kind of relations, civilised discourse, or interaction, then we also reserve the right to take all necessary measures."

Asked about the anti-Pakistan propaganda by the Indian media, Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan called it "lamentable" for levelling accusations without verifiable evidence or credible investigation and creating a situation where their government's position was justified through finger-pointing.

As part of ongoing diplomatic engagement, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch briefed Heads of Mission and diplomats based in Islamabad on the latest developments following the Pahalgam attack in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).

She outlined key takeaways from the National Security Committee meeting, categorically rejecting India's baseless allegations linking Pakistan to the attack. The Foreign Secretary warned that India's attempts to weaponize terrorism for political gains threaten regional peace and security.

He also cautioned against India's escalatory actions and reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to respond firmly to any aggressive moves. She also briefed diplomats on the evolving situation on Thursday

The spokesperson criticised the Indian war mongering. "The situation right now is that an incident happened in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian system, in a way, went on an overdrive," he said.

"There were threatening statements; a kind of jingoistic and belligerent atmosphere was being created in India. Certain things were stated at very high level. We have responded to that," he maintained.