LAHORE:
A resolution condemning India’s continued water aggression and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was submitted in the Punjab Assembly on Thursday, urging the United Nations and the international community to hold New Delhi accountable.
The resolution reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its water rights, farmers and national sovereignty through all constitutional, legal and diplomatic means.
The resolution, moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad, declared that Pakistan would continue defending its water rights, farmers and national sovereignty through all constitutional, legal and diplomatic forums
According to the text of the resolution, the House “strongly condemns India’s attempts to undermine Pakistan’s water rights”.
It alleged that India had also released water abruptly last year, describing it as an attack on Pakistan’s farmers.
The House declared that Pakistan would not allow any attempt to usurp or unlawfully seize its share of water and would defend its water rights at every level.
Raja Ashraf
Separately, PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervez Ashraf, while addressing a news conference after a party meeting, warned that India will pay a heavy price if it attempts to disrupt Pakistan’s rightful share of water under the IWT.
Ashraf said Pakistan has emerged as a peace-loving and responsible country and is playing a positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Lauding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, he said Pakistan had played an important role in efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the US and promote peace, with both leaders making significant contributions.
He said anti-Pakistan elements and terrorists were constantly trying to undermine peace and law and order in the country, adding that all political parties and every Pakistani should unite for national stability and peace.
Ashraf said peace was essential for political and economic stability, while national unity was indispensable to thwart the designs of hostile forces. He urged the media to verify information before publication, saying not every news report was accurate and that responsible journalism was essential to curb rumours and misinformation.
Criticising India’s stance on the IWT, Ashraf said New Delhi was attempting to block Pakistan’s share of water despite lacking the authority to unilaterally suspend the treaty. He denounced India’s position as illogical and said the International Court of Justice had also rejected such a stance.
He said changes in the federal cabinet fell within the constitutional authority of the prime minister but stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to everyone. He also called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged kidnapping of foreign women.
The PPP leader said preparations were under way for the PPP’s public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan on July 25, adding that teams led by Faisal Mir and Dr Ayesha were working to ensure the event’s success. He said the local government system was functioning in Sindh under the PPP government.
