ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, and briefed him on the escalation of tension with India.
Ishaq Dar apprised Foreign Minister Lavrov of recent regional developments, a Foreign Office statement said on Sunday.
He rejected India’s baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric against Pakistan, and condemned India’s unilateral & illegal move to hold the IWT in abeyance, which is a violation of its international obligations.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that Pakistan would resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and national interests. He also conveyed Pakistan’s offer for an international, transparent, and independent investigation.
Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed concern over the situation and stressed the importance of diplomacy to resolve issues. He emphasised that both sides should exercise restraint and avoid escalation.
The two leaders also discussed the positive trajectory of Pak-Russia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across all sectors.
Pahalgam crisis
The tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours 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”.
