ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed that it retains all diplomatic and non-diplomatic options to ensure implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that India’s rejection of a Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling cannot absolve it of its treaty obligations.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Wednesday that India could not selectively invoke international law while rejecting decisions that did not suit its position. He called on New Delhi to return to full compliance with the 1960 water-sharing agreement.
“India’s rejection of the award cannot extinguish or otherwise alter India’s obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty,” Andrabi said during his final news briefing before assuming a new diplomatic assignment.
The PCA ruling issued on September 1 reaffirmed that the IWT remains valid and binding, rejecting India’s unilateral attempt to place the treaty in abeyance. Pakistan has welcomed the decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of its position that disputes over the Indus waters should be resolved through the mechanisms provided under the treaty.
The spokesperson said India’s rejection of the ruling undermined the sanctity of international agreements and established dispute-resolution mechanisms. He also expressed concern over unilateral management of transboundary water resources in a sensitive region such as South Asia.
“Pakistan retains all options regarding the follow-up to this decision, as well as the broader issue of India’s weaponization of water,” Andrabi said, noting that the treaty’s dispute-resolution process had been duly followed.
Pakistan Continues Diplomatic Efforts on Iran Crisis
On the Iran-US confrontation, Andrabi said Pakistan remained committed to diplomacy and efforts aimed at reducing tensions despite the latest escalation.
He said the recent exchange of attacks should be viewed as part of a broader cycle of escalation and retaliation rather than as a failure of diplomatic efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also visited Tehran on August 25 as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support de-escalation, including efforts related to tensions surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Andrabi expressed hope that the parties would eventually return to negotiations, saying existing diplomatic frameworks could provide a basis for renewed dialogue, including technical-level discussions.
Pakistan is also assessing the potential impact of new US economic measures on bilateral trade with Iran, he added.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Strengthen Defence Cooperation
On the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the spokesperson said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye had taken initial steps towards institutionalising the new trilateral defence framework.
The inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee was held in Istanbul on August 31, with the three countries reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, de-escalation and collective defence.
A permanent secretariat will be established in Saudi Arabia and will initially be headed by a Pakistani secretary-general for three years. The three countries are also expected to expand cooperation in defence industries, technology development and joint production.
Andrabi said Pakistan had not received any formal applications from other countries seeking to join the agreement, despite reports of interest from several Muslim countries.
Pakistan Seeks Verifiable Action from Kabul
On Afghanistan, the Foreign Office said Pakistan’s position remained unchanged despite renewed diplomatic activity, including China’s efforts to revive the Urumqi process.
Chinese Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong visited Islamabad from August 31 to September 1 and held discussions with Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq.
Andrabi appreciated China’s “constructive and sustained engagement” but stressed that meaningful progress in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations would depend on concrete and verifiable action by the Taliban authorities against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
He said Pakistan continued to seek written and verifiable assurances from Kabul that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
The spokesperson also described Afghan Ambassador Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb’s recent appearance at the National Defence University as an academic engagement, saying it did not signal any change in Pakistan’s policy towards the Taliban government.
He reiterated that future progress in bilateral relations would depend on credible assurances and practical action by the Afghan authorities.
Story by Kamran Yousaf
