Pakistan will consider India's attempt to divert water flow an act of aggression: FO

Published October 17, 2019
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Thursday said Pakistan had "exclusive rights" over three Western rivers and added that any attempt by India to divert the flows of these rivers would be considered an "act of aggression". — DawnNewsTV
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Thursday said Pakistan had "exclusive rights" over three Western rivers and added that any attempt by India to divert the flows of these rivers would be considered an "act of aggression". — DawnNewsTV

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Thursday said Pakistan had "exclusive rights" over three Western rivers, adding that any attempt by India to divert the flow of these rivers would be considered an "act of aggression".

While addressing a weekly press briefing, the FO spokesperson was asked a question regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks to stop water flowing to Pakistan.

According to Times of India, addressing a rally, Modi had said his government would stop the water flowing to Pakistan and divert it to Haryana "as it rightfully belongs to the country and the farmers of the state".

Dr Faisal today said: "After imposing a crushing curfew and disconnecting the Kashmir Valley for more than two months now, some statements coming from [the] Indian leadership are another glaring example of the fact that the present government of India is bent upon making India an irresponsible, aggressive state that has no regard for human rights or international obligations."

The FO spokesperson said that Pakistan had "exclusive rights" over the waters of three Western rivers under the Indus Water Treaty.

"Any attempt by India to divert the flows of these rivers will be considered an act of aggression and Pakistan has the right to respond."

Tensions between the neighbouring countries escalated following the Indian government's decision to unilaterally revoke Article 370 of its constitution — which granted special autonomy to occupied Kashmir — and intensified ceasefire violations by India on the Line of Control.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...