ISLAMABAD: The Indo-Pakistan negotiations on the Salal Dam concluded here today [Oct 21] with further progress in resolving the differences and with the common hope that the two countries would arrive at a “mutually satisfactory” settlement at the next round of talks to be held after completion of certain required studies. A joint communique issued after the talks spread over three days noted with satisfaction that the comprehensive discussions succeeded in creating a better understanding of each other’s viewpoint and in resolving “some of the outstanding points”. Foreign Secretary Agha Shahi and his Indian counterpart Jagat Singh Mehta, who led their respective delegations … expressed satisfaction at the earnest efforts made to resolve the differences in line with the letter and spirit of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty… .
[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Washington,] U.S. President Gerald Ford said yesterday [Oct 20] Israel was a military burden to the United States during the Yom Kippur war in 1973, but was now a strong ally because of the massive arms aid Americans willingly furnished. Mr. Ford made his comment at a White House Press conference… .
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
