Pakistan has strongly opposed India’s proposed plan to divert water from the Chenab River into the Beas River system, describing the project as a violation of international agreements and regional water-sharing commitments. Islamabad has warned that it will take all necessary steps to protect its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty and safeguard the country’s water security.
Islamabad: Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Proposed Water Project
According to Beyond Time News, Pakistan’s Foreign Office firmly rejected India’s reported proposal to transfer water from the Chenab River to the Beas basin.
During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said the government remains committed to peace, dialogue, and regional stability. However, he stressed that Pakistan would defend its legal rights under international agreements if those rights come under threat.
The remarks came in response to reports that India had invited bids for the proposed Chenab-Beas water diversion project.
Pakistan Calls Project a Violation of the Indus Waters Treaty
The Foreign Office argued that diverting water from the Chenab River to another river system would violate key provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which governs water sharing between Pakistan and India.
Furthermore, the spokesperson stated that the project could conflict with broader principles of international law, including treaty obligations and rules governing shared water resources.
According to Pakistan, the proposal raises concerns under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and international principles reflected in the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses.
As a result, Islamabad believes the project could undermine established legal frameworks designed to manage transboundary rivers.
Pakistan Says It Retains All Legal and Diplomatic Options
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan remains prepared to use all available legal, diplomatic, and treaty-based mechanisms to protect its interests.
Officials warned that any action affecting Pakistan’s water rights would receive serious attention from the government.
Moreover, the spokesperson noted that water security directly affects agriculture, food production, economic stability, and the well-being of millions of people across the country.
Therefore, Islamabad views any potential disruption to agreed water flows as a matter of national importance.
Read more:Villages on Alert as Salal Dam Gates Open for Silt Flushing in Chenab River
Concerns Raised Over Salal Dam Reservoir Operations
Pakistan also expressed concern regarding reports of proposed silt-flushing operations at the Salal Dam reservoir in Reasi district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to the Foreign Office, such activities could increase water control capabilities in a manner that Pakistan considers inconsistent with existing agreements.
Officials argued that these developments require greater transparency and consultation between the two countries under the mechanisms established by the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan Accuses India of Avoiding Treaty Consultation Mechanisms
The Foreign Office stated that India has not formally informed Pakistan about the reported projects through the channels outlined in the treaty.
In addition, officials said India had neither provided official notice nor sought consultations regarding the proposed initiatives.
Consequently, Pakistan believes the developments raise serious questions about compliance with established water-sharing procedures.
The spokesperson further claimed that such actions could increase tensions in South Asia and negatively affect regional stability.
International Community Urged to Support Treaty Compliance
Pakistan has called on the international community to encourage full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Officials urged global stakeholders to support peaceful dispute resolution and discourage any actions that could restrict, reduce, or divert water flows allocated under the agreement.
Furthermore, Islamabad stressed the importance of respecting international commitments to prevent future disputes over shared water resources.
Pakistan Reiterates Position on Jammu and Kashmir
During the briefing, the Foreign Office also responded to questions regarding the visit of Switzerland’s ambassador to India to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute.
He stated that visits by foreign diplomats or international figures do not alter the disputed status of the territory or affect Pakistan’s stance on its future resolution.
Foreign Office Comments on Abraham Accords and US-Iran Talks
Responding to separate questions, the Foreign Office said Pakistan’s position on the Abraham Accords remains unchanged.
Meanwhile, officials welcomed positive developments in ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran. The spokesperson said Pakistan supports diplomatic efforts and remains willing to facilitate dialogue if needed.
He also expressed hope that negotiations would lead to an agreement in the near future.
Pakistan Rejects Claims Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Programme
The Foreign Office strongly denied reports suggesting that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar shared information about Iran’s nuclear programme during discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Officials described the claims as baseless and inaccurate.
The statement came after former CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleged, citing an unnamed source, that Dar had conveyed information regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions.
However, the Foreign Office rejected the allegation and said media reports had misrepresented discussions held during a recent briefing.
Officials further clarified that the topics referenced in those reports were neither discussed nor implied during official meetings.
Looking Ahead
The latest diplomatic exchange highlights growing concerns over water security and treaty obligations in South Asia. While Pakistan continues to advocate dialogue and peaceful engagement, officials insist they will defend the country’s rights under international agreements.
As discussions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty continue, regional observers expect water management and resource security to remain important issues in relations between Pakistan and India.
FAQs
Why has Pakistan opposed the Chenab-Beas water diversion project?
Pakistan argues that diverting water from the Chenab River would violate the Indus Waters Treaty and international water law principles.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between Pakistan and India that regulates the use of rivers in the Indus Basin.
What concerns has Pakistan raised about the Salal Dam?
Pakistan believes proposed silt-flushing operations at the Salal Dam could create water-control capabilities that conflict with existing agreements.
Did Pakistan receive official notification about the projects?
According to the Foreign Office, India has not formally communicated details of the reported projects or requested consultations under treaty mechanisms.
What is Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute?
Pakistan maintains that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute that should be resolved through a process consistent with international commitments.
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