Pakistan rejects unilateral suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan does not accept the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, adding that the use of water as a weapon by India was unacceptable under any circumstances.

According to details that emerged on Tuesday, Ishaq Dar made the remarks while addressing a debate at the United Nations Security Council. He said adherence to international laws and agreements must be ensured, adding that the implementation of global rules was essential at the international level. He reiterated that Pakistan rejected any unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

The deputy prime minister said Pakistan supported fair and democratic reforms within the United Nations. He said the role of all member states must be recognised instead of benefiting only a handful of countries. He added that Pakistan remained committed to cooperation with all member states for the implementation of the UN Charter.

Dar said Pakistan supported the peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes. He said Pakistan had made sincere efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States, and had stressed the importance of dialogue amid tensions in the Middle East. He also expressed gratitude to friendly countries for supporting Pakistan’s peace efforts.

He said he was thankful to the Chinese foreign minister for convening the important session, adding that such a meeting was the need of the hour in the present global situation. He said the UN Charter laid down principles governing relations between states, while the United Nations had granted citizens the rights of equality and self-determination. He added that Pakistan remained committed to the UN Charter and its principles.

The deputy prime minister said the promotion of peace and the resolution of disputes were the responsibility of states under the UN Charter. He said Pakistan supported the peaceful settlement of long-standing disputes, adding that the Kashmir issue had remained unresolved for eight decades. He also said Pakistan supported the rights of unarmed Palestinians.