OIC urges to uphold Indus Water Treaty

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in South Asia and stressed the importance of upholding the sanctity of the UN Charter, international law, and treaties, including the Indus Water Treaty.

A high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan has briefed the OIC ambassadors to the UN about the Indo-Pak war and the situation that has followed.

Addressing the OIC permanent representatives at the UN headquarters in New York, Bilawal Bhutto strongly rejected India’s attempt to link the Pahalgam incident to Pakistan without any investigation or evidence.

Bilawal Bhutto made it clear that this hasty allegation was used to justify illegal military operations by India, and that civilians and civilian infrastructure were targeted in these attacks.

Bilawal expressed deep concern over the unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and said that India was trying to use water as a weapon against Pakistan. He categorically said that this behavior cannot be allowed to become the norm.

He stressed that India’s militant aggression is having serious implications for peace and security in South Asia.

The former foreign minister thanked the OIC member states for their efforts in conflict reduction, mediation, and ceasefire. He said that the only way to peace is through dialogue, engagement, and diplomacy.

Reiterating Pakistan’s policy of peace, tolerance, and pursuing a diplomatic path, Bilawal Bhutto called for the restoration of the Indus Water Treaty, full respect for the ceasefire, and the resumption of comprehensive talks with India.

Bilawal Bhutto thanked the OIC member states for their continued support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He clarified that a just and sustainable solution to the Kashmir issue is indispensable for the establishment of lasting peace in South Asia.

He asked the OIC member states to continue their principled support for the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people, especially the right to self-determination, following UN resolutions.

The OIC countries welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic and negotiation efforts in accordance with UN resolutions for a peaceful resolution of all disputes, especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, appreciated Pakistan’s timely and transparent briefing, and expressed their full solidarity with Pakistan and the Kashmiri people.