Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov confirms rejection of India's unfounded accusations during phone conversation.
Saturday Rant: Dar Slaps Down India's Unfounded Claims and Water Tampering
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, struck back against India's baseless accusations and fiery rhetoric towards Pakistan in a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Dar unleashed a strong rebuke against India's imprudent decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold, terming it a breach of New Delhi's international commitments.
According to the foreign ministry's statement, Dar enlightened Lavrov on the recent political happenings, reiterating Pakistan's firm resolve to uphold regional peace despite this. However, he made it crystal clear that Pakistan will defend itself and its national interests to the bitter end. Dar, of course, didn't forget to extend Pakistan's open invitation for an independent international investigation into the matter.
Pakistan Seeks U.N. Security Council's Attention Amidst Indian Aggression
The Foreign Office declared that Lavrov expressed unease about the situation and underscored the crucial role of diplomacy, encouraging both nations to practice restraint to avoid further hostilities.
The conversation between the leaders didn't only revolve around this turmoil. They also delved into the flourishing Pakistan-Russia relations, reaffirming their intentions to bolster ties across numerous sectors.
An interesting background to this boiling conflict: the IWT, signed in 1960, regulates water distribution in the Indus River Basin, a crucial resource for both India and Pakistan. Tensions have been brewing since the World Bank brokered the treaty to prevent water wars that might precipitate war. Recent events have only fanned the flames.
India allegedly halted the IWT after a militant attack in Pahalgam left 26 tourists dead. India unjustly blamed Pakistan for the attack, without providing proof, and threatened to halt water supply to Pakistan. Pakistan denied any involvement and warned that any disruption of the river's flow would be considered an act of war.
India's actions have led to a surge in diplomatic friction, visa restrictions, treaty suspensions, and even the threat of abandoning the 1972 Simla Accord. Pakistan intends to address these issues on a global stage, including the U.N. and the International Court of Justice. The World Bank, however, has distanced itself from the conflict, leaving the conflicting parties to sort it out on their own. Mediation, some suggest, could help de-escalate the crisis, but no substantial steps have been taken thus far. The Indus Waters Treaty standoff has grave implications for regional stability and the credibility of international water agreements.
- Despite the ongoing tension and India's unfounded claims, Pakistan continues to seek international momentum for an independent investigation to address the Indus Waters Treaty standoff, with a specific focus on engaging the United Nations Security Council.
- Amidst the escalating war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan, the momentum of their respective politics remains volatile, as both nations grapple with the implications of their actions on regional news and peace.
