ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has stated that Pakistan will not accept any unilateral decisions or coercive tactics by India, particularly in matters relating to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Dar made it clear that Pakistan will not allow India to impose its will, emphasizing that any move to restrict or divert Pakistan’s water share would be considered a serious provocation and treated as a hostile act.
Pakistan Reiterates Commitment to Legal Framework
Dar underscored that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement that must be respected by both parties. He warned that India’s recent actions, including its suspension of participation in the IWT framework, have no legal standing.
“If India tries to use water as a weapon, it will be equivalent to waging war,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan reserves the right to respond accordingly.
Not Desperate for Talks
Commenting on the broader Pakistan-India relationship, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that Islamabad remains open to dialogue, but not at the expense of national dignity or core interests. “Pakistan is ready for talks, but not desperate,” he said, highlighting that any engagement must be based on equality and mutual respect.
Call for International Attention
Ishaq Dar also urged the global community to take note of India’s unilateral measures and provocative rhetoric, warning that these actions threaten regional stability and violate established international norms.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is considered a cornerstone of regional water-sharing arrangements. Its potential undermining has raised alarm both domestically and internationally.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.