Pakistan to take up water issue with World Bank: FO
SLAMABAD: Pakistan Thursday said it has been looking into various options including appointment of neutral expert or arbitrator by World Bank to resolve the issue of water with India. Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit in his weekly briefing here at Foreign Office said.
“Indus Commissioner Pakistan wrote a letter to India in March but Pakistan has not received satisfactory answer to the question and now considering other options,â€
The Spokesman said Pakistan would approach World Bank to appoint arbitrator to resolve the water dispute with India. He said peaceful resolution of longstanding issue of Jammu Kashmir between Pakistan and India was vital for ensuring peace and security in the region.
The Spokesman said besides many other issues between Pakistan and India, Kashmir was the most important issue that needs to be settled as early as possible.
Referring to some statements from Indian leaders about intentions and capacity of Pakistan to counter terrorism, the Spokesman said such statements emanating from India are ‘irresponsible’. He said it is non?serious attitude from New Delhi. Commenting on the drone attacks, the Spokesman said Pakistan had conveyed the concern of government and people of Pakistan about these attacks and issue would be discussed again in trilateral meeting between the heads of Pakistan, US and Afghanistan being held in Washington in first week of May.
He said Pakistan has repeatedly said the drone attacks are counterproductive and do have difference of opinion on these attacks. Replying to a question, the Spokesman said,
“We do have courage to present our point of view on drone attacks and conveyed the sentiments and concerns of people and government of Pakistan to US administration on many occasion.â€
About delaying tactics from US to extend help to Pakistan for capacity building like helicopters and night vision, the Spokesman said there has been progress in the cooperation in the war against terror. He said there is realization in the US administration to expedite the process for giving assistance to Pakistan for capacity building.
Replying to a question, the Spokesman said, “We are determined and have the resolve to fight extremism and terrorism.†He said Pakistan has been engaged with the international community based on mutual respect and honour.
He said although Pakistan has the resolve but there is not enough capacity as it did not have sufficient helicopter and nigh vision equipment. He said Pakistan has been engaged with US for capacity building. Commenting on the statement of British Prime Minister, the Spokesman said Pakistan has been examining the statement and would give comprehensive response shortly.
Replying to another question regarding Pakistan?Iran relations, the Spokesman said Pakistan has been making efforts for establishing permanent kind of framework to fight extremism and terrorism. He said next trilateral meeting, between leaders of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, will be held in Tehran in the third week of May and Pakistan is looking forward for making Pak?Iran relations more effective.
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