Digital Desk, New Delhi. Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over alleged changes in the flow of Chenab river, saying it has written a letter to India seeking clarification in this regard. "Our Indus Waters Commissioner has written a letter to his Indian counterpart seeking clarification on matters in accordance with the procedures contained in the Indus Waters Treaty," Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said.
Addressing the weekly press briefing, he further said, "We call on India to answer the questions raised by the Pakistani Indus Water Commissioner, refrain from any unilateral changes in the flow of the river and fulfill its obligations under the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty in letter and spirit."
It is noteworthy that a day after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, India took several punitive steps against Pakistan. These also included “suspending” the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. The World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty has governed the distribution and use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960.
However, Andrabi said any disturbance to the river flow, especially "at a critical time in our agricultural cycle, directly threatens the lives and livelihoods of our citizens as well as food and economic security."
He reiterated Pakistan's stand that the Indus Water Treaty is a binding international agreement which has been an instrument of peace, security and stability in the region. He said that Pakistan is committed to peaceful resolution of disputes with India, but it will not compromise on the fundamental water rights of its people.
(With inputs from news agency PTI)