ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh Touhid Hossain has expressed concern regarding the current situation and stressed the importance of exercising restraint by all parties, emphasising the need for de-escalation
He said this while talking to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar via telephone on Monday, according to the Foreign Ministry statement.
During the call, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister briefed the Adviser on the escalating regional tensions resulting from India’s unfounded allegations and unilateral measures, including its arbitrary decision to suspend provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations and emphasised the need for maintaining regular high-level engagements.
They also discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation on regional and multilateral forums.
Pahalgam crisis
The tensions between Pakistan and India escalated after gunmen attacked tourists in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir on 22 April, killing 26 people and injuring 17.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s baseless accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
