ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has assured Pakistan that it would make utmostefforts to resolve the Kishanganga and Rattle dams issues within parametersof Indus Basin Treaty.
This was stated by Foreign Office spokesman Dr. Muhammad Faisal at hisweekly news briefing in Islamabad today (Friday).
He said Pakistan has effectively been raising the issue of Kishangangaproject to resolve it according to the dispute resolution mechanismavailable in the Indus Water Treaty. He said water issues can lead to avery dangerous situation; hence, it is necessary to resolve such problemsaccording to IWT spirit.
He added that Pakistan believes inauguration of Kishanganga dam by Indiawithout resolution of the disputes is violation of the treaty.
Dr. Faisal said security related US assistance serves the mutual interestof stability in the region.
He said Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations in FATA and clearing of itsterritory from all sorts of terrorist networks is a testimony that the USassistance for capacity building of Pakistan’s law enforcement and securityagencies has helped achieve the share objectives of peace and stability inthe region.
He, however, said the security related US assistance, including theCoalition Support Fund (CSF) reimbursement to Pakistan has been suspendedearlier this year.
He said US assistance on civilian economic side is continuing with bothsides engaged in undertaking collaborative projects and programs.
To a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan wants to have peacefulneighborhood for socio-economic development of the people of the region.He, however, said Pakistan will not be oblivious to the imperative ofsafeguarding its national security.
He said UNMOGIP should be allowed to perform its duty on Indian side of theLine of Control to check human rights violations by New Delhi in OccupiedKashmir.
He said continued denial of visas to Pakistani artists and authors hamperpeople to people contacts, which are essential prerequisite for promotingpeace and tolerance in the region.
Dr. Faisal said maltreatment of minorities, especially Muslims, isregrettable.