ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan and India on Thursday exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations, continuing an annual confidence-building practice under a bilateral agreement signed in 1988, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told the weekly press briefing that Pakistan formally handed over its list of nuclear installations and facilities to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. He added that India was simultaneously sharing its list with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
The exchange is conducted under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, signed on December 31, 1988. The agreement came into force on January 27, 1991, with the first exchange of lists taking place on January 1, 1992. Under the accord, both countries are required to annually inform each other of their nuclear installations.
Andrabi also said the two sides exchanged lists of prisoners. In line with the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008, Pakistan and India are obligated to share details of prisoners held in each other’s custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.
Concerns over Indian hydropower projects
Responding to a question on India’s reported approval of the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Andrabi said the move raised serious concerns.
He stressed that under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India could not misuse its limited allowance on the western rivers to unilaterally construct hydropower projects without prior notification and information sharing with Pakistan.
“We have seen media reports regarding Indian plans, but no prior information or notification was shared with Pakistan, which is mandated under the treaty,” he said, adding that such actions reflected disregard for international law and bilateral agreements.
The Pakistani Indus Waters Commissioner has sought clarification from his Indian counterpart on the nature, scope and technical details of the project, including whether it constitutes a new run-of-the-river scheme or modifications to an existing facility.
Andrabi reiterated that while Pakistan remained committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, it would “never compromise on its existential water rights,” emphasizing that the IWT remains a binding international agreement.
Support for China’s core interests
On US arms sales to Taiwan, the FO spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for China on its core interests, including Taiwan.
“Pakistan adheres to the one-China principle and regards Taiwan as an inalienable part of China,” Andrabi said, urging all countries to respect historical commitments and avoid steps that could heighten regional tensions.
Pakistanis return from Afghanistan
Addressing the situation of Pakistani nationals stranded in Afghanistan, Andrabi said 15 students and 291 other individuals had safely returned home. He added that Pakistani authorities remained in contact with Afghan officials.
According to the FO, a total of 1,199 Pakistanis including 549 students and 402 other individuals had approached the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul seeking assistance for repatriation.
