India on Friday slammed Pakistan for blaming it for the breach of the Indus Waters Treaty saying the unrelenting cross-border terrorism from Pakistani soil is interfering with the treaty’s implementation.
Addressing a plenary session of the first UN conference on glaciers in Tajikistan’s Dushanbe on Friday, India said Pakistan was violating the treaty through terrorism.
“We are appalled at the attempt by Pakistan to misuse the forum and to bring in unwarranted references to issues which do not fall within the purview of the forum,” said Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh.
“We strongly condemned such an attempt,” he added, reported PTI.
‘Terrorism From Pakistan’
The Union minister said it is an undeniable fact that there have been fundamental changes in circumstances since the Indus Waters Treaty was signed and requires a reassessment of the deal’s obligations.
The changes include technological advancements, demographic changes, climate change and the ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism, he said.
Singh further stated that the treaty’s preamble states it was concluded in the spirit of goodwill and friendship and that honouring the treaty in good faith is essential.
“However, the unrelenting cross-border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with the ability to exploit the treaty as per its provisions.
“Pakistan, which itself is in violation of the treaty, should desist from putting the blame of the breach of the treaty on India,” he said.
‘Won’t Allow India To Cross Red Line’
Speaking at the summit, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country would not allow India to cross the red line by pausing the Indus Waters Treaty and endangering millions of lives for narrow politics.
“India’s unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin’s water, is deeply regrettable,” Pakistani newspaper Dawn quoted Mr Sharif as saying.
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