India's unilateral attempt to suspend IWT has introduced 'dangerous dimension': FM Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned on Wednesday that India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) had introduced a "dangerous dimension." According to the foreign minister, the Treaty is a binding international agreement with no clause allowing unilateral suspension. Speaking at the OIC Contact Group's ministerial meeting on Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the UN General Assembly, Dar emphasized the Court of Arbitration's affirmation that unilateral action cannot negate the Court's jurisdiction.

He stressed that international obligations must be upheld even when they are inconvenient. Dar urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to intensify diplomatic efforts regarding India-occupied IIOJK and maintain a unified stance at international forums. He called for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, the release of political prisoners, and access for fact-finding missions and UN representatives to the disputed territory.

Dar also criticized India's actions to alter the demographic, political, and cultural character of Jammu and Kashmir, including restrictions on political and civic space, arbitrary detention, and persecution of Kashmiri leaders and activists. The foreign minister highlighted the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that military force cannot resolve long-standing political disputes.

He emphasized that Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute on the UN Security Council agenda and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have the right to self-determination through a free and impartial process under UN auspices.