Pakistan Warns of Action If India Breaches Indus Water Treaty

Nafees Zakaria’s remarks come amid reports that India may review the 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty.

Pakistan is worried that India may hamper the flow of important rivers to the country. (Photo: The Quint)

Pakistan on Thursday warned of “appropriate action” if India violates the Indus Water Treaty and said it is closely monitoring the situation, amid reports that New Delhi may revisit the key water sharing accord.

“Appropriate action will be taken in line with the Treaty in case of any violation by India,” Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at the weekly briefing. Pakistan was keeping a close eye on the situation, Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying.

“India Trying to Divert Attention From Kashmir”

Zakaria said that India is making “desperate attempts” to divert attention from the “atrocities and human right violations” being committed in Kashmir.

He said Pakistan is highlighting Indian brutalities in Kashmir at world forums and there has been “very substantive outcome” of these efforts but the international community remains concerned about the situation.

Responding to a question, he claimed that India violated ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) more than 90 times this year.

Isolating Pakistan Ridiculous, Banning Artists Disappointing: Zakaria

The notion of isolating Pakistan is “ridiculous”, Zakaria said, adding that India's “negative attitude” has been exposed, which is the biggest hurdle in the way of regional development and prosperity.

He also termed the Indian treatment to the Pakistani artistes as “very disappointing and highly regrettable” as he deplored India’s decision to “use SAARC for its political ambition”, according to the report.

“Welcome Mediation From America”

Zakaria also referred to a media report quoting US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who described tensions between India and Pakistan as a “very, very hot tinderbox” and offered to be “the mediator or arbitrator”.

We continue to urge our American friends including those in the administration to play their due role in resolving bilateral issues between Pakistan and India, particularly the Kashmir dispute. And definitely Pakistan has welcomed in the past also any role of mediation, we welcome such offers.

Zakaria noted that though Pakistan does not comment on media reports usually, in this case it welcomed the mediation offer.