Latest news with #IndusWaterTreaty
See - Sada Elbalad
32 minutes ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
PM Shehbaz Speaks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Taarek Refaat Prime Minister's Office Press wing Islamabad: 20 June, 2025 Press Release: Prime Minister speaks with the U.S. Secretary of State Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this evening. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for President Donald Trump. He praised the President for his bold leadership and appreciated Secretary Rubio's proactive diplomacy that played a pivotal role in helping Pakistan and India to arrive at a ceasefire understanding and averting a major catastrophe between the two nuclear armed states. The Prime Minister added that President Trump's positive statements about Pakistan were most encouraging for a durable peace in South Asia, which could only be made possible by initiating meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India. In this context, he reaffirmed Pakistan's willingness for talks with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty, trade and counter-terrorism. The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel crisis, was also discussed, where the Prime Minister emphasized on the need to find a peaceful resolution to this grave crisis, through dialogue and diplomacy. He stated that Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role in any effort for peace in the current situation, which was deeply worrying, not only for the region, but for the entire world. While recalling President Trump's focus on trade, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan and the U.S. needed to work together to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals, and IT. On security and counter-terrorism, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism from the entire country, particularly the threat from BLA, TTP and other militant groups. In this regard, Secretary Rubio appreciated Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and assured Pakistan of full cooperation by the U.S. in countering all such threats. The Prime Minister noted, with great satisfaction, the most cordial and productive discussion between President Trump and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in Washington, earlier this week. Both the Prime Minister and Secretary Rubio agreed that talks between their two countries must now be translated into tangible actions, across all areas. The Prime Minister also stressed upon the need for frequent high-level engagements to build upon this positive momentum in Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations. In this regard, he reiterated his invitation to President Trump to undertake an official visit to Pakistan and said that he too, was looking forward to meeting President Trump at his earliest convenience. The Prime Minister also reiterated his invitation to Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan, at an early date. Thanking the Prime Minister for receiving his telephone call, Secretary Rubio shared his desire to enhance bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the U.S., across all areas of shared interest. He also appreciated Pakistan's resolve to uphold the ceasefire understanding with India, as well as its sustained efforts for peace in the region. In this context, he encouraged Pakistan, which enjoys excellent ties with Iran, to continue playing its role in the ongoing peace efforts with Iran. He further noted that the U.S. was committed to working closely with Pakistan to promote regional as well as global peace and stability. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan PM Sharif reaffirms his willingness to talk with India on all issues
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday reaffirmed Pakistan's willingness to talk with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir , the Indus Water Treaty , trade and counter-terrorism. He conveyed this during a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio , according to a statement posted by the state-run Pakistan Television on X. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to US President Donald Trump, it said. He praised the President for his bold leadership and appreciated Secretary Rubio's proactive diplomacy that "played a pivotal role in helping Pakistan and India to arrive at a ceasefire understanding". Sharif said that President Trump's positive statements about Pakistan are most encouraging for a durable peace in South Asia, which can only be made possible by initiating meaningful dialogue between Pakistan and India. "In this context, he reaffirmed Pakistan's willingness for talks with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir, the Indus Water Treaty, trade and counter-terrorism," the state-run PTV said. Live Events India has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel crisis, was also discussed, where the Prime Minister emphasized the need to find a peaceful resolution to this grave crisis, through dialogue and diplomacy. He said Pakistan is ready to play a constructive role in any effort for peace in the current situation, which is deeply worrying, not only for the region but for the entire world. While recalling President Trump's focus on trade, Sharif said Pakistan and the US need to work together to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals, and IT. On security and counter-terrorism, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to deal with the menace of terrorism from the entire country, particularly the threat from militant groups. Rubio appreciated Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and assured Pakistan of full cooperation by the United States in countering all such threats, the channel said. He also appreciated Pakistan's resolve to uphold the ceasefire understanding with India, as well as its sustained efforts for peace in the region.
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Row erupts after J&K CM Abdullah opposes flow of Indus water to Punjab; AAP, Congress, Akali Dal hit back
CHANDIGARH: A row has erupted after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah opposed the flow of water from the three rivers of the Indus system in Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, reminding the neighboring state of how it had 'maltreated' J&K for years. Political parties in Punjab including the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have hit back, saying it's the responsibility of the Centre, which had put the Indus treaty in abeyance, to appropriately distribute the water and give Punjab its rightful share. Reacting to Omar Abdullah's statement that J&K will not give water from the Indus river to Punjab, AAP Punjab spokesperson Neel Garg accused him of deliberately politicizing the issue. Garg said the authority to decide on river waters lies with the Centre and Omar Abdullah cannot take a unilateral decision on the matter. He emphasized that Punjab should also get a share of the Indus water. Garg pointed out that, like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab is also a border state. Whenever war occurs, Punjab becomes the battleground, and when the country needs food grains, it becomes the granary of the nation. Now that there is water available, Punjab has a legitimate claim over it. "In the process of filling the nation's granaries, we have been deprived of our own water. Now that the Indus Water Treaty has been annulled, Punjab has the primary right over this water because it will not only bring relief to our barren lands but also boost our agriculture. When farmers prosper, the nation prospers," he said. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also criticized Omar, saying it was unbecoming of the JK CM to make such remarks. He regretted that Omar was now trying to politicize the issue and score some brownie points. 'Where will you send the water and where will you divert the canals?' he asked, pointing out that Punjab would be the natural course of flow for the canals. He noted that the statement smacks of partisan political rhetoric.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Omar Abdullah accuses Mehbooba, Lone of 'political hypocrisy' over reservation issue
Facing outcry for dragging his feet on rationalising reservation quota in government jobs, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (June 20, 2025) accused the Opposition parties, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K People's Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajjad Lone of 'political hypocrisy'. Referring to Ms. Mufti and Mr. Lone, Mr. Abdullah said these leaders had the opportunity to raise the matter earlier but 'chose to remain silent for political convenience'. 'Why didn't Ms. Mufti speak about it when she was contesting elections from Anantnag and seeking support in Rajouri and Poonch? She needed votes and did not allow even her party members to speak about reservation. Mr. Lone was closely aligned with the government for five years. While we were being thrown out of government accommodations and our security was being downgraded, he comfortably stayed in a government house. Why didn't he speak about reservations then?' Mr. Abdullah asked. Mr. Abdullah's party had promised to rationalise the quota during the Assembly elections last year. This week, a Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) mandated to suggest recommendations filed its report. However, the government move to send the report to the Law Department for legal vetting is being perceived by the Opposition as 'dilly dallying tactics'. Also Read | Growing voices against proposed 70% quota in Jammu and Kashmir 'If I had wanted a delay, I could have extended the deadline by another six months. No one could have forced me to act. Yet, we chose to move quickly. The Cabinet accepted the Sub-Committee's report and sent it to the Law Department for legal vetting,' Mr. Abdullah said. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra termed the 'withholding of the subcommittee report a violation of democratic principles'. 'There is no room for secrecy in a democracy. Institutions must draw legitimacy from transparency, not concealment. The report directly impacts the future of the region's youth and should be made public without delay,' he said. Reacting to Mr. Abdullah's remarks, Ms. Mufti said, 'As Chief Minister, I ensured that 75% is reserved for open merit when some issue of NEET and other PG exams came up. I never sent the reservation to the Law Department. Now Omar sahib is pinning blame on others. Didn't he promise to resolve this issue?' Jammu and Kashmir's reservation quota was revised under the Central rule after new categories like Paharis, Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmin etc. were included in 2024. The open merit category was reduced significantly less than 40%. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister opposed any proposal to divert waters from Jammu and Kashmir to any other nearby State. 'I will never permit this. Our people in Jammu are already facing drought-like conditions. Why should we divert our water to Punjab? They already get water under the Indus Water Treaty. Did they ever share water with us when we needed it?' he said. On the restoration of Statehood, Mr. Abdullah said he pins hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment. 'The promise hasn't been fulfilled yet,' he added.
Mint
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Omar Abdullah asks what ‘forced' Israel to attack Iran: ‘This is not a good thing'
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday questioned Israel's motive to attack Iran while asserting that there is no need of a war anywhere in the world. Talking to reporters after inaugurating an outreach office -- Raabta -- in Jammu, Abdullah asked what exactly Iran did that forced Israel to launch an attack. 'This is not a good thing. War anywhere is not a good thing. What exactly did Iran do that forced Israel to attack? The sooner this conflict ends, the better,' he said. Taking a dig at Israel, he said, "Two months ago, the US intelligence chief said that Iran is nowhere close to building a nuclear bomb. That was the evidence then. And now, after two months, Israel has suddenly launched an attack on Iran." He said that although the war is between Iran and Israel, more than 6,000 Indians have been trapped. "We are evacuating them one by one. Ninety students (from J-K) have already been brought out, and another 400 have reached safer locations. Efforts are on to evacuate more than 6,000 students, out of which 1,400 are from Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Asked about some of the 90 students -- who landed in Delhi on Thursday morning after being evacuated from Iran -- complaining about the condition of buses in which they were taken to Kashmir, he admitted that the vehicles arranged initially "weren't up to the mark". "As soon as we were informed, we arranged proper vehicles, and they are now reaching their homes... Officials there have been told to be more careful in the future," he said. Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir should be allowed to use its waters, Abdullah made it clear that no permission will be given as of now for any proposal to build a canal to divert surplus water to other states. "Nobody will give it (approval). As of now, I am not going to give approval to it. Let us be allowed to use our water first, then we will talk about others," Abdullah said. He was replying to a question on the central government's proposed construction of a 113-km canal to transfer surplus water from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to prevent it from flowing to neighbouring Pakistan. "Right now, Jammu is facing water scarcity... There is no water in the taps. Why should I send water to Punjab? Punjab already has three rivers as per the Indus Water Treaty. Has Punjab given us any water?" he said. The chief minister highlighted that when Jammu and Kashmir was desperate for water, Punjab did not share water from the Ujh multipurpose project and Shahpur Kandi barrage. "They made us suffer for years, and only after a prolonged struggle did they take some steps," he said. "We will use it (water) first, and only then consider others' needs," he added. Speaking about the Indus Water Treaty, he said the government is working on two key projects -- The Tulbul Barrage, work on which should resume soon, and the pumping of water from the Chenab River at Akhnoor to supply drinking water to Jammu city. Abdullah also expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government will stand by their commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. "We are hopeful that the prime minister, who made a promise to the people and reiterated that promise during the Sonamarg event and afterwards too, and the government will stand by their commitment, and Jammu and Kashmir will get back its status as a state." Asked if taking the legal route was under consideration, he said, "When the time comes to talk about legal options, I will call you." On the issue of reservation in government services raised by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, he said, "How can Mehbooba Mufti speak on this issue now? Check her past tweets (posts on X); she remained silent on this earlier. Now she is showing fake sympathy." He said the Law Department is examining the report on the issue of reservation. Once the report comes back, the Cabinet will hold discussions on it.
