Pakistan don't need NOC from India for building dams
Pakistan on Thursday clarified that there was no need to get any No-Objection Certificate (NOC), from India for the construction of any water reservoirs in Azad Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan.
Commenting on the reports that India wants Pakistan to seek NOC for construction of water reservoirs in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, the Foreign Office Spokesman Moazzam Ahmed Khan said, "Pakistan doesn't need any NOC from India regarding construction of dams." He said this position has also been supported by the latest verdict of the International Court of Arbitration in Kishan Ganga dispute.
The spokesman said that under provisions of Indus Basin Treaty, India is under obligation to inform Pakistan before hand if it wants to build any structure on three Western rivers meant for Pakistan.
Replying to a question, he said there was an understanding with the United States for initiation of case against Raymond Davis for killing two Pakistanis in Lahore but so far no such development was in his knowledge. Commenting on the five year development of foreign policy of the present Government, the spokesman said the focus has been on improving relations with regional countries including India and Afghanistan.
He said it was also pertinent to note that the Government involved the Parliament in the formulation of the country's foreign policy.
The spokesman also confirmed that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf would pay a per- sonal visit to Adjmer Sharif in India on Saturday.He said no talks are yet scheduled on the occasion with Indian leadership. Commenting on Indian Prime Minister's allegations that Pakistan was not doing enough against terrorism, the spokesman said, "Pakistan condemns terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations."
He said it was a common threat and required a common strategy and cooperation amongst all countries in the region. Commenting on the investigation on Mumbai attacks, he said Pakistan has repeatedly told India to provide proof that could stand scrutiny in the court of law, as mere statements are not enough. "Pakistan wants resolution of all issues with India through dialogue including the recent incident on the Line of Control." He said Pakistan has even gone to the extent of offering investigations under the mechanism available with United Nations system.
Regarding grant of Most Favrouite Nation (MFN) status to India, the spokesman said Pakistan Government was committed to its decision in this regard but the two countries had to complete the required processes first.
He said there are a number of obligations on both sides, which are being discussed before taking final decision on MFN status.
On the report of New York Times, that United States has not carried out any drone attacks in the tribal areas of Pakistan in February, the spokesman said the ISPR has issued a comprehensive statement on this report.