ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will continue to assert its rights under the Indus Water Treaty, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Friday during a weekly press briefing.
He emphasized that the treaty does not allow for unilateral suspension or abrogation, and Pakistan will work with the international community to highlight risks if India pursues such actions.
The spokesperson addressed increasing international awareness of human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), citing recent incidents and growing repression by Indian forces. He condemned recent allegations made by the Indian Prime Minister, calling them baseless, provocative, and aimed at stoking regional tensions for political gain.
He stated that such rhetoric violates the United Nations Charter and international law and undermines regional peace and stability.
Pakistan reaffirmed its role as a partner in the global fight against terrorism and rejected attempts to link it with terrorism, describing such claims as misleading and a distraction from India’s internal challenges and policies in IIOJK. The spokesperson urged India to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue, warning that escalatory statements only increase tensions.
He stated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional stability while asserting that the country is prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with any aggression met by a proportionate response. Pakistan called on the international community to recognize India’s aggressive stance and rhetoric, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law for lasting peace.
The spokesperson noted that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif recently spoke with the Presidents of Iran and Egypt, condemning Indian attacks that killed civilians and reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defend its territory. The Prime Minister also expressed concern over India’s attempt to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and emphasized that the Kashmir dispute remains a root cause of regional instability.
The briefing also covered developments in the Middle East, especially the situation in Gaza. The Prime Minister called on the international community to ensure timely humanitarian aid delivery and expressed hope for positive outcomes at the upcoming UN conference on the Two-State Solution.
The spokesperson rejected unfounded claims circulating in Indian media that Pakistan used the Shaheen missile during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, noting that the Indian Army had deleted a misleading video after initially posting it. He criticized the spread of unverified content for undermining regional stability.
He strongly denied allegations that Pakistan targeted the Golden Temple, calling the claims baseless and highlighting Pakistan’s respect for all places of worship. The spokesperson pointed out that India targeted places of worship in Pakistan in early May 2025, and said such accusations cannot divert attention from that act.
He added that Pakistan is the custodian of many Sikh holy sites, facilitates visa-free access to the Kartarpur Corridor, and welcomes Sikh pilgrims annually.
Finally, the spokesperson condemned ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, citing civilian deaths and damage to critical infrastructure. He described Israel’s expansion of ground operations and obstruction of humanitarian aid as threats to regional peace.
Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and accountability for Israeli actions. It reiterated opposition to displacement of Palestinians, expansion of Israeli settlements, and annexation of Occupied Palestinian Territory.
