Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that the Indus Water Treaty had been a successful water-sharing arrangement between India and Pakistan, withstanding the test of wars and standoffs.

“However, the current Indian dispensation is bent on weaponising water … holding in abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty is unilateral and illegal, there are no such provisions in the treaty.

“This action shows India’s blatant disregard for international treaties and sets a dangerous precedent,” the spokesperson said, adding that the Indian decision was an attack on the people of Pakistan and its economy.

For Pakistan, the ambassador stressed, the Indian announcement held no legal consequence. “The treaty remains in force and fully binding on the parties.”

“The Indian allegation of Pakistan’s refusal to enter into government to government negotiations is also incorrect … Pakistan has been continuously engaged with India on the subject,” he added.