India’s weaponization of Indus Waters Treaty unacceptable: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with Iran for peace, stability, and development in the region.

He was talking to Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who called on him in Islamabad today.

At the outset, the Prime Minister expressed his sincere condolences to the Iranian side over the tragic explosion in Bandar Abbas that had led to the loss of precious lives and injured hundreds of people.

During the warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards to Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei and warm wishes for President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s serious concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia, as a result of India’s provocative behavior since the Pahalgam incident.

He categorically rejected any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence.

He said Pakistan has offered that an international transparent, neutral and credible investigation be conducted to ascertain the facts behind the Pahalgam incident.

He also stressed that India’s weaponization of the Indus Waters Treaty was unacceptable and a redline for the people of Pakistan.

The prime minister stressed that Pakistan places great importance on its deep-rooted historical and fraternal relations with Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s determination to work closely with Tehran to advance peace and stability in the region.

Abbas Araghchi, for his part, conveyed the warm greetings from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and other high-ranking Iranian officials to the Pakistani Prime Minister and expressed Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan and playing a role in establishing peace and stability in South Asia.

On the occasion, the Iranian Foreign Minister conveyed warm greetings from the Iranian leadership to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Pakistan and also playing its part in bringing peace and stability in South Asia.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were also present during the meeting.

The Iranian foreign minister also held a meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari while in Islamabad.

According to a statement from the Pakistani presidential office, Zardari and Araghchi discussed the expansion of relations between Iran and Pakistan, as well as security developments in the region.

During the meeting, President Zardari highlighted the historical and brotherly ties between the two nations.

Araghchi arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of involvement.

Zardari voiced concerns over what he described as India’s aggressive stance and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.

Araghchi, in turn, urged restraint among regional actors and advocated for reducing tensions in South Asia.

The two officials also discussed the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, strongly condemning the atrocities and human rights violations committed by Israeli forces in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The foreign minister reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its relationship with Pakistan, saying Tehran was eager to further strengthen bilateral ties for mutual benefit. He also stressed the need for expanding trade between the two countries to its fullest potential.

Araghchi and Zardari further discussed the situation in Afghanistan, with the Iranian diplomat stressing the need for continued cooperation between Iran and Pakistan on regional matters.