ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office on Thursday rejected a report released by India's National Investigation Agency which said that a Sri Lankan citizen had been arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan.

“This is not a new development but a three-month-old news which has been brought to the front again by Indian authorities,” FO spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam said.

According to the NIA press release, Arun Selvarajan had been arrested for his involvement in the Thameem Ansari case at the "claimed instigation of a neighbouring country".

Know more: India arrests Sri Lankan national who 'spied for neighbouring country'

Talking to reporters during a media briefing, Aslam said water disputes between Pakistan and India are very important and need to be discussed. "We want meaningful dialogue with India on the issue as water is Pakistan's lifeline."

Regarding any possibility of international contribution for flood victims, the FO spokeswoman said, “Pakistan formally did not request any country for assistance, local resources are being mobilised, however, Pakistani high commissions abroad are asked to open accounts for collection of funds.”

In response to letter of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has suggested that the two countries should increase cooperation on environment related issues including discussion for resolution of disputes affecting climates of the region.

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