Pakistan Responds to Jaishankar's Comments: A Clash Over Regional Stability

Pakistan Critiques Indian Minister's Remarks

Islamabad: On Saturday, Pakistan took issue with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent statements regarding the nation, asserting that his comments were an attempt to divert attention from India's own 'concerning history' of fostering instability in the region.

During a statement on Friday, Jaishankar emphasized India's right to protect its citizens from 'bad neighbours' and suggested that a country engaged in terrorism should not expect India to share its water resources, although he refrained from naming any specific nation.

In response, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi firmly rejected what he termed as 'irresponsible claims' made by the Indian minister, stating that India is once again trying to shift focus from its own problematic record as a neighbour that contributes to regional unrest.

Andrabi highlighted that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a significant international agreement established in good faith, and any unilateral actions against it would jeopardize regional stability.

He warned that Pakistan would take all necessary steps to protect its rights under the treaty.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last year, India implemented several punitive actions against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.

The IWT, facilitated by the World Bank, has regulated the distribution and utilization of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since its inception in 1960.

Andrabi reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to providing 'full political, moral, and diplomatic support' to the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination.