Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the World Bank’s support for Pakistan’s position in light of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), in a meeting with with the Bank’s regional vice president for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP), Ousmane Dione in Islamabad on Thursday.
In April, India held the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 — an incident New Delhi blamed on Islamabad without evidence. Pakistan termed any attempt to suspend its water share an “act of war”, noting that the IWT had no provision for unilateral suspension.
In the meeting with Dione today, the premier acknowledged the principled support for Pakistan’s legitimate position on India’s “unilateral and unlawful actions”, which undermined “important international agreements” such as the IWT.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to upholding international law, achieving prosperity, and maintaining regional peace, and reiterated the country’s resolve to resolve all issues through dialogue.
The prime minister further thanked the Bank for its timely and generous assistance during the devastating floods of 2022, which helped Pakistan initiate immediate relief efforts and begin reconstruction and rehabilitation activities.
He especially thanked World Bank President Ajay Banga and former Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine for their pivotal role in advancing the new country partnership framework (CPF) for Pakistan.
In January, Pakistan became the first country to launch a longer-term CPF with the World Bank, after the bank’s board of directors approved the 10-year programme and pledged to provide $20 billion to Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz appreciated the strategic role of the CPF in supporting Pakistan’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of energy, human capital, climate change, and governance reforms.
Ousmane Dione expressed gratitude to the premier for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Pakistan.
Source: Dawn News
