- All issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty can be discussed: FO
- He says two nations have an Indus Water Commissioners mechanism.
- The terms of the surveys in IIOJK are ridiculous and have no legal value in international law.
The Islamabad government has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty and expects India to comply with its provisions as well.
The remark was made by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch while responding to reporters' questions on India's notice seeking a reassessment of the treaty at her weekly press briefing on Thursday.
“Pakistan considers the Indus Waters Treaty important and expects India to comply with its provisions as well,” he said.
Baloch said the two countries have an Indus Water Commissioners mechanism and all matters related to this treaty can be discussed therein.
The spokesperson described the electoral exercise in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as ridiculous, reminding India that given the internationally recognised status of the disputed region, any election conducted in accordance with the Indian constitution has no legal standing in the eyes of international law.
He said that the relevant UN Security Council resolutions clearly state that the final disposition of the IIOJK dispute will be in accordance with the will of the people of Kashmir as expressed through a UN-supervised plebiscite.
Therefore, any other process cannot replace granting the right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir, he added.
Responding to a query, the Foreign Office spokesperson rejected the Afghan acting consul general's explanation for not standing during the Pakistani national anthem at an event in Peshawar, calling the action a violation of diplomatic norms. Radio Pakistan reported.
He said Pakistan considers the act of the Afghan official reprehensible and that it has hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan.
The Foreign Office spokesperson further stated that Pakistan had conveyed its strong protest to the Afghan authorities over this matter. She stated that decisions will be taken after due internal deliberations and conclusion of talks with the Afghan government. She stated that Pakistan reserves the right to take action in accordance with diplomatic norms and practices.
