ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed willingness to discuss issues concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with India.
Weeks after India formally notified Pakistan to amend the bilateral treaty due to “fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances,” the Foreign Office said on Thursday that all discussions could take place within the treaty’s existing framework.
During her weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was asked about India’s intentions to review the water-sharing agreement.
In response, Ms Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the treaty and said the issues could be discussed between the commissioners for Indus Waters appointed by both countries.
Under the IWT, the commissioners are part of the Permanent Indus Commission, comprising officials from India and Pakistan. The body oversees the treaty’s implementation and exchanges bilateral data.
“The Indus Waters Treaty is an important treaty that has served both Pakistan and India well over the last several decades. We believe it is the gold standard of bilateral treaties on water sharing, and Pakistan is fully committed to its implementation. We expect India to also remain committed to the treaty,” Ms Baloch stated.
She said the commission is the “appropriate forum” for discussing and addressing all issues related to the treaty.
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