Pakistan accused India of exacerbating recent devastating floods by deliberately releasing excessive water from its reservoirs, sparking concerns of “water aggression” at a press briefing held on Friday. The spokesperson highlighted the inadequate information sharing from the Indian side through diplomatic channels, bypassing the established Indus Water Commissioner channel. This comes as Pakistan”s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, returned from a significant diplomatic trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summits.
At the SCO meeting, Sharif addressed critical regional and global concerns, advocating for dialogue on outstanding disputes in South Asia, condemning terrorism (including state-sponsored terrorism), and denouncing Israel”s actions in Gaza and the attack on fellow SCO member, Iran. He also stressed the negative impacts of Afghanistan”s instability, while praising the SCO”s focus on connectivity and economic integration, highlighting CPEC as a key initiative.
Sharif held bilateral discussions with leaders from Trkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Russia, focusing on strengthening political, economic, and trade ties. Notable discussions included reviewing Pakistan-Trkiye relations, congratulating Azerbaijan on its peace agreement with Armenia, reaffirming strong ties with Iran, and expressing satisfaction with growing cooperation with Tajikistan. A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the growing bilateral relationship.
In meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Sharif expressed Pakistan”s support for China”s achievements and reaffirmed commitment to CPEC”s next phase. He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Xi”s global initiatives. Sharif participated in a B2B Investment Conference and China’s 80th Victory Day parade.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, focused on enhancing technical and vocational education cooperation with China, formalized diplomatic relations with Armenia, discussed flood relief support with the EU, offered condolences and support to Afghanistan after a recent earthquake, and engaged with the German Foreign Minister on bilateral cooperation. The 14th Round of Pakistan-Japan Bilateral Political Consultations addressed bilateral relations and regional security issues.
Pakistan condemned the Israeli airstrikes on a Gaza hospital and reaffirmed support for Syria”s sovereignty. A high-level delegation from CERN visited Pakistan to review the nation’s progress as an Associate Member.
The press briefing addressed multiple pressing issues, including the flood situation, the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the alleged Pakistani strike in Afghanistan, cybercrime involving foreign nationals, the Yasin Malik case, Pakistan’s BRICS application, the recent bomb blasts in Pakistan, and Pakistan”s balancing act in international relations.