Addressing an conference, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar
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Says IWT lifeline for 240m people; India to get befitting response if it tried to divert water; Treaty cannot be amended, revoked, suspended or held in abeyance unilaterally; Concerns raised over reported Chenab–Beas link, reopening of low-level outlets at Salal project Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring that the agreement is not merely a water-sharing accord but a lifeline for the country’s 240 million people. The government’s position was outlined during an international seminar titled “Indus Waters Treaty: A Key Instrument of Peace and Regional Stability”, held in Islamabad Convention Centre. The seminar brought together Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik, Indus Waters Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah, Minister of State Khurram Dastgir Khan, international law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi, delegates from various countries and water experts. Addressing an conference, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that although Pakistan believed in constructive dialogue and implementation on the treaty with complete sincerity, it would give India a befitting response, if the latter tried to stop the flow of water. He categorically stated that any change in the treaty could only be made with the consent of Pakistan. “The government has made it clear time and again that Pakistan has complete right over the River Indus, on which the entire population of Pakistan is dependent, and which is the lifeline of the country’s agriculture.” Tarar said that the treaty signed in 1960 held an important position in international relations. He said that Pakistan would defend the agreement come what may. Tarar said 240 million people of Pakistan had an “inalienable right” to water from the Indus River System. “When we say that Indu