ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday told the United Nations Security Council that “water must never be weaponized,” while referring to India’s unilateral move to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
Addressing an open debate of the UN Security Council, Dar said international treaties must be respected and disputes resolved through dialogue, justice and adherence to international law.
“Treaties must be honored and disputes must be resolved through adherence to international law, dialogue and justice, and implementation of relevant resolutions of the Council,” he said.
The remarks come amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and India following New Delhi’s unilateral suspension of cooperation measures under the Indus Waters Treaty framework after the 2025 Pahalgam incident.
Pakistan maintains that the treaty is a binding international agreement that cannot be suspended unilaterally.
Dar described China’s call for a strong United Nations-centered international system as “most timely and vital.”
“We collectively pledged in the Charter to govern international relations in a manner that saves future generations from the scourge of war,” he told the Council.
He said the UN Charter was “not merely a legal instrument.”
“It is the moral foundation of the international order,” Dar said.
Referring to ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts involving Iran, the foreign minister said Pakistan consistently supported restraint, de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
“Another prolonged conflict would serve no one,” he said, warning that instability could “endanger regional peace, disrupt global energy flows, deepen humanitarian suffering and strain an already fragile international order.”
Dar said Pakistan was making sincere efforts to facilitate a durable solution that ensured lasting peace and stability in the region while keeping maritime routes open.
“We are continuing this noble endeavour with resolve and dedication,” he said.
The foreign minister also thanked partner countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Qatar for supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at regional stability.
“The entire world is watching… we must succeed in the interest of regional and global peace and security,” Dar said.
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