Pakistan retains ‘all options’ against India’s Chenab-Beas water diversion project: FO
Key takeaways
- “Pakistan retains ‘all options’ necessary to safeguard its rights and entitlements under the treaty and to protect its vital national interests,” the spokesperson emphasized.
- Andrabi also described the proposed silt flushing of the Salal Dam reservoir in Reasi district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a deeply concerning development.
- He noted it would provide water control capability that is not permissible either under the Indus Water Treaty or the 1978 Salal agreement.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s proposed plan to divert water from the Chenab River to the Beas River system, asserting that it retains “all options” necessary to safeguard its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and protect its vital national interests.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in the region and continues to pursue constructive engagement with the support of friendly countries.
Responding to questions regarding India’s invitation of bids for the proposed Chenab-Beas water transfer project, the spokesperson said the inter-basin diversion of Chenab waters would constitute a serious violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, as well as international law governing treaties and transboundary water resources.