National

Pakistan to approach ICJ if India violates Indus Water Treaty: Sartaj

September 27, 2016

194

Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the National Assembly Tuesday that India cannot revoke the Indus Water Treaty unilaterally.

Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Shireen Mazari and others, he said there is no provision of suspension in the treaty. He said according to international law, India cannot unilaterally revoke the treaty.

The advisor said if India tries to violate the treaty, there will be a befitting reaction from Pakistan.

He said Pakistan is gaining support of international community on the issue. He said Pakistan is considering to brief P-5 countries and international community about the dangers of suspending the treaty.

Sartaj Aziz said the Indus Water Treaty is binding on both the countries and there is no provision of unilateral exist. He said the treaty was not suspended even during wars between the two countries.

He said that if India violates the treaty Pakistan can approach the International Court of Justice.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with officials on Monday to review provisions of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.

According to Indian media, New Delhi ruled out cancelling the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan but is looking for ways of increasing its use of waters that flow from India but are controlled by Pakistan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with officials on Monday to review provisions of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.

During the meeting, Modi was quoted as saying “water and blood can’t flow at the same time”.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Principal Secretary Nripendra Misra and other officials.

The decision to review the treaty with Pakistan comes following the Uri attack in Occupied Kashmir in which 18 Indian soldiers killed.