Pakistan on Thursday voiced serious concern over India’s reported plans to construct a new dam project that could further affect downstream water flows into Pakistan, warning that any unilateral action impacting shared river systems violates international obligations.
Addressing a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad is closely monitoring developments related to India’s water infrastructure projects. He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that water should never be weaponized for political purposes.
Apart from the water issue, which has taken on added significance following India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the Foreign Office also addressed a range of diplomatic and regional matters.
Responding to media reports alleging Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had shared information regarding Iran’s nuclear program with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Foreign Office categorically rejected the claims as baseless and inaccurate. Andrabi described the reports as speculative and said they did not reflect the substance of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements with either Washington or Tehran. Islamabad reiterated its support for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes involving Iran and other regional actors.
The spokesperson also pushed back against renewed speculation that Pakistan could join the Abraham Accords framework as part of broader regional realignments reportedly being encouraged by the United States. He stressed that Pakistan’s policy remained unchanged and that Islamabad continued to support the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on internationally recognized parameters. He said there had been no policy shift regarding relations with Israel and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise.
The issue has gained prominence amid reports the Trump administration is encouraging additional Muslim-majority countries to normalize ties with Israel under an expanded Abraham Accords framework. Islamabad, however, maintains that meaningful progress on Palestinian statehood remains a prerequisite for any reconsideration of its position.
The Foreign Office also addressed the matter of 10 Pakistanis abducted by Somali pirates. Andrabi confirmed efforts to secure their release were ongoing, adding Pakistan remained in contact with Somali authorities, the ship’s owners and other stakeholders involved in negotiations. While a breakthrough is awaited, the government said it was actively pursuing all available diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of the sailors.
Somali pirates seized the vessel in April, taking all crewmembers as hostages. Families of the crew have repeatedly appealed for government intervention amid reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the tanker, including shortages of food, drinking water and medical supplies.