Islamabad : On Thursday, Pakistan and India completed their scheduled exchange of information, sharing updated lists of prisoners in each other’s custody as well as details of their respective nuclear installations.
During a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, confirmed that Pakistan had officially handed over a list of 257 Indian nationals imprisoned in the country to the Indian High Commission. This move was in line with the bilateral agreements between the two neighboring countries.
Ambassador Andrabi explained that this exchange was conducted under the Consular Access Agreement signed on May 21, 2008, which requires both countries to share prisoner lists twice a year. He also confirmed that, in accordance with the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, both nations exchanged their lists of nuclear installations. This agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, obligates both countries to notify each other about nuclear sites on January 1 every year. Pakistan’s list was formally delivered to a representative from the Indian High Commission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to a media query about reports suggesting that India plans to construct the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River, Ambassador Andrabi expressed serious concerns. He noted that Pakistan had not received any prior information or formal notice regarding this project, which he described as a violation of international law and the countries’ bilateral obligations.
The Pakistani Commissioner for Indus Waters has already sought clarifications from his Indian counterpart regarding the project’s scope, technical details, and nature. Andrabi stressed that India cannot unilaterally develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty without abiding by the strict design, operational, and information-sharing criteria outlined in the agreement.
Ambassador Andrabi called on India to comply fully with the treaty and respond to the questions raised by Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner in previous communications. He emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty is a binding international agreement, with decisions made by the Court of Arbitration in June and August of the previous year clearly reaffirming its validity. He made it clear that no unilateral action can alter the legal obligations outlined in the treaty.
In response to another question regarding the US’s recent announcement on arms sales to Taiwan, Ambassador Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong, strategic partnership with China. He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for China on issues concerning its core interests, including Taiwan, and stressed that Pakistan adheres firmly to the One-China policy, considering Taiwan an inseparable part of China.
The spokesperson called on all relevant countries to honor their historical commitments, contribute to peace and security in the region, and avoid actions that might escalate tensions or destabilize the region.
