ISLAMABAD(National times)- Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Thursday that it had formally sought details from India regarding the Sawalkot Dam project, reaffirming that there will be no compromise on the country’s water rights. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner has written to his Indian counterpart, seeking complete information about the new dam project. He emphasized that under the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has the right to obtain all relevant details. Andrabi further stated that the prime minister will attend an upcoming Board of Peace meeting, accompanied by the foreign minister and a high-level delegation. Pakistan has joined the board with positive expectations, he said. “We urge India to adhere to the Indus Waters Treaty,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding matters peacefully but will not compromise on the water rights of its people.
Afghanistan and Security Concerns
Regarding security matters, Andrabi said Pakistan had presented evidence at international forums that Afghan territory was used in a recent suicide attack in Islamabad. He claimed that the mastermind of certain Daesh (ISIS) attacks is present in Afghanistan and that evidence of the group’s presence there has been shared with global partners. He added that Pakistan reserves the right to self-defense.
Diplomatic Engagements
The spokesperson highlighted recent diplomatic engagements, including the visit of Uzbekistan’s president to Pakistan, during which both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade to $2 billion and expand the preferential trade agreement. He also noted the visit of Kazakhstan’s president, where discussions covered security, defense cooperation, and joint military exercises. Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held contacts with counterparts from Azerbaijan, Iran, and Türkiye. Pakistan also updated its export control lists this week and, along with seven other Muslim countries, issued two joint statements.
