Islamabad: Minister Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry has strongly condemned the latest baseless allegations and hostile posturing by India, which are clearly designed to deflect global attention from its ongoing human rights atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and to pursue its malicious designs against Pakistan, including on the Indus Waters Treaty.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ahsan Iqbal said that India has a known history of orchestrating false flag operations to malign Pakistan internationally. This dangerous pattern not only undermines regional stability but also attempts to cover up its internal failures and increasing repression in Kashmir. Let it be clear: Pakistan has been the greatest victim of terrorism, having lost over 80,000 lives and suffered billions in economic losses. Yet, we have stood resilient and emerged as a responsible state, committed to peace, counterterrorism, and regional cooperation. The world must not lose sight of the real issue-the systematic denial of rights and dignity to the people of Kashmir.
Ahsan Iqbal said that no amount of propaganda can erase the brutal reality of Indian occupation, demographic engineering, and suppression of freedom in Kashmir. Equally alarming is India's growing hostility towards the Indus Waters Treaty-an internationally recognized agreement that India is now attempting to undermine for political leverage. Let me state unequivocally: Pakistan will protect its water rights and will resist any unilateral action aimed at depriving its people of their fair share. Minister urged the international community to see through India's distractions and take a firm stand for justice, peace, and stability in South Asia. Pakistan desires peace, but we will not allow our national interest and regional security to be compromised.
Meanwhile Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the importance of integrating local communities, particularly the fishing sector, into the economic framework being developed around Gwadar.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Prime Minister's Committee on the Operationalization of Gwadar Port in Islamabad on Thursday, he called for linking the fisheries sector and the broader Blue Economy with national programs such as the Uraan Pakistan Export Enhancement Strategy.
The Minister underscored the need for an integrated approach involving road, rail, and port connectivity to support trade and economic integration with the region.
He stressed the early completion of key infrastructure projects, particularly the N-85 and Coastal Highway, to support logistics and improve accessibility to the port. He also reviewed the progress on the Safe City Project in Gwadar and directed the Ministry of Interior and the Government of Balochistan to ensure timely implementation.
Ahsan Iqbal also directed fast-tracking of the ML-4 railway project and called for the development of Gwadar as a dedicated mining port, with appropriate ore-handling infrastructure to support the mining sector in Balochistan. He emphasized the need for continuity in project leadership and instructed the provincial government to appoint full-time and competent project directors to avoid administrative delays.
To facilitate foreign investment, the Minister proposed establishing a secure residential area for international staff and visitors, taking inspiration from models such as Sharm El Sheikh and Dammam. He encouraged the development of tourism infrastructure in Gwadar, including coastal resorts, and invited international hospitality brands to invest in the region.