Islamabad: Pakistan has once again demanded of India to refrain from any bid for escalating tension in the region and furnish replies to important questions under Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
Foreign Office (F.O) has said Pakistan is committed to practical and principled diplomacy for promotion of peace, stability and confidence building in the region. Both of the countries have provided to each other lists of their nuclear installations and facilities. We strongly condemn every bid for undermining sovereignty, integrity and regional integrity of Somalia
So far 15 students and 291 Pakistani citizens have returned from Afghanistan . Pakistan-China strategic dialogue will be held in Beijing on January 4, this was said by FO Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi during weekly press briefing here Thursday.
He said Pakistan and India have provided each other the lists of their nuclear installations and facilities under December 31, 1988 agreement. Under the agreement both the countries share these information regularly every year on January 1 under the agreement.
In this regard Pakistan's list was handed over to representative of Indian high commission in foreign ministry while Indian government handed over their list In Pakistan high commission in New Delhi.
This step is part of confidence building measures between Pakistan and India and is considered to be very vital for strategic stability in the region.
Talking of growing tension and violence in Yemen he expressed grave concern over it from Pakistan side.
He held Pakistan extends full support to integrity, sovereignty and regional integrity of Yemen and it stands with the efforts for durable peace in the country.
He made it clear Pakistan opposes any such unilateral steps which further deteriorates the situation or pose threat to peace in the region.
Pakistan has welcome the efforts at regional level for easing tension in Yemen. Pakistan has reiterated it resolve for security of Saudi Arabia while expressing solidarity with it.
In this perspective telephonic contact was made between Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi minister of foreign affairs prince Faisal Bin Farhan. The two exchanged views on regional situation and bilateral ties.
Saudi Crown prince expressed satisfaction over movement forward in different sectors particularly digital cooperation. He expressed his desire to visit Pakistan in 2026.
Talking of Pakistan unequivocal stance on Palestine and Somalia Pakistan strongly condemns any bid aimed at undermining sovereignty, unity and regional integrity of Somalia.
At his weekly media briefing in Islamabad Thursday, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi said, as per our bilateral agreements, the Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners in Pakistan to the High Commission of India in Islamabad.
He said this step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on 21 May 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year.
Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan and India also exchanged the lists of their respective nuclear installations pursuant to the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between Pakistan and India.
The Spokesperson said signed on 31 December 1988, the Agreement, inter alia, provides that both countries shall inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities, falling within its definition on 1st January of each calendar year.
He said accordingly, the list of nuclear installations and facilities in Pakistan was officially handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Replying to a question regarding media reports about Indian plans to construct the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric project on the Chenab River, the Spokesperson said these reports raise serious concerns as no prior information or notification was shared with Pakistan with regard to this project.
Tahir Andrabi said such acts of commission and omission yet again exemplify a complete disregard of international law and bilateral treaties.
He said the Pakistani Commissioner for Indus Water has sought clarification from his counterpart in India regarding the nature, scope and technical details of the reported projects.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said the Pakistani Commissioner for Indus Water also wishes to ascertain whether this constitutes a new run-of-the-river project, an alteration or additional work on an existing plant.
Tahir Andrabi said under the Indus Waters Treaty, India could not misuse its restricted allowance for unilaterally building any hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.
The Spokesperson said any such project on the western river is subject to strict design and operational controls as well as information sharing requirements.
He called upon India to urgently return to Indus Water Treaty compliance and respond to the queries raised by our Indus Water Commissioner in his latest as well as his earlier communications.
Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan reiterates that Indus Water Treaty remains a binding international agreement. The decision by the Court of Arbitration in June and August last year have unequivocally endorsed the Indus Water Treaty's validity and no unilateral decision of defiance can alter this reality.
The Spokesperson also reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and issues with India, but we would never compromise on existential water rights of our people.
Replying to a question regarding the US administration's recent announcement of arms sales to Taiwan, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan and China are iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners. He said we have consistently supported China in all matters of its core interests, including Taiwan.
Tahir Andrabi reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to adhere to the One-China principle and we regard Taiwan as an inalienable part of China.
The Spokesperson urged all relevant countries to abide by their historical commitments, take steps to foster peace, security and development in Taiwan and the broader region. He said we would also urge them to refrain from measures that may aggravate tensions or undermine peace and stability in the region.