Pakistan embassy in Washington marks Youm-e-Istehsal with webinar on Kashmir, Indus Waters Treaty

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Embassy in Washington marked Youm-e-Istehsal on Wednesday by hosting a webinar focused on the legal dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the future of the Indus Waters Treaty, while reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). 

The event, titled "Contemporary Challenges to International Law in South Asia: Jammu and Kashmir Dispute and the Indus Waters Treaty," commemorated the seventh anniversary of India's illegal and unilateral revocation of  Articles 370 and 35A of its Constitution on August 5, 2019, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the embassy, messages from Pakistan's president, prime minister and deputy prime minister/foreign minister were presented during the event, reaffirming Islamabad's political, moral and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK. The international community supports a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In his opening remarks, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said respect for international law remains essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

He said that the discussion examined the legal aspects of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, including its linkage with the Indus Water Treaty, which has geographical, political, and economic implications.

He emphasized that lasting peace and stability in South Asia depend on respect for international law.

"The only way to govern this kind of situation, which is getting more complicated as we speak, is adherence to international law, adherence to the norms that the international community has evolved over centuries, not even decades," he said.

He urged India to fulfill its legal obligations and observed that Pakistan's growing international credibility should be utilized to advance its principled positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan's strengthened diplomatic standing

Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted Pakistan's strengthened diplomatic standing and underscored the need to leverage it to advocate for the rights of the Kashmiri people and the protection of Pakistan's water rights. 

"We have a solid strategic partnership with China, warm relations with the United States, and enhanced international credibility through our diplomatic efforts. Our strengthened diplomatic standing places Pakistan in a strong position to advocate for Kashmir, for justice for the Kashmiri people, and for the protection of our water rights," he said.

While discussing recent developments, Ambassador Akram added: "India's strategy on Kashmir has accelerated since 5 August 2019, combining the subjugation of the Kashmiri people with a broader campaign of coercion against Pakistan. India is in open defiance of international law. There is no legal provision allowing the Indus Waters Treaty to be placed in abeyance," he said.

Secretary General of Kashmir Civitas Dr Farhan Mujahid discussed the implications of settler colonialism in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that India's policies seek to alter the territory's demographic and political identity.

"A rabid anti-Muslim Hindutva philosophy has engulfed not only the Indian state but also large sections of Indian society. India has weaponized anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan sentiment for electoral and political purposes," he said.

President of the Foundation for American Security and Technology Ali Unar highlighted the importance of building broader international legal support for preserving the integrity of the Indus Waters Treaty through greater engagement with legal scholars, experts, and downstream countries.

Executive Director of the Sanober Institute Dr Qamar Cheema warned against what he termed "hydro-hegemony" and the militarization of water resources, saying the treaty remains important for regional peace, food security, environmental sustainability and long-term stability in South Asia.

The discussion concluded with participants emphasizing the need for peaceful and lawful approaches to resolving the Kashmir dispute and preserving the Indus Waters Treaty. 

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Sheikh reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Islamabad's position that the dispute should be resolved in line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.