Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Central Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has bitterly criticised the government for ignoring the water issue and said that the lawmakers and people wanted to know that who was monitoring the progress of Indus Water Commission.
Talking to newsmen here on Sunday Hashmi said that Pakistan is a real target for India and it has already launched a water-war at several fronts against Pakistan. Hashmi said if India really wants long lasting peace in the region, then it will have to sit with Pakistan to resolve all disputes including the issues related to distribution of water as per Indus Water Treaty.
"India will have to change its attitude to promote peace in the region. It has already disputes with Bangladesh, Nepal and China on water. Now water of the Chenab and Kabul rivers has been stopped which causes 55,000 cusec water shortage at Head Marala while the water level at Mangla Dam is also reducing", Javed Hashmi said.
He added that in 50 years, 37 wars have been fought on water. As a peace-loving nation, Pakistan and the world cannot afford another crusade. He said that Parliamentarians had already moved an adjournment motion in the Parliament but it was turned down. Now his party is going to table a resolution in the NA regarding water issue. Indian government is using water as a weapon, therefore the government should raise the issue at the international level, PML-N leader said.
He was of the view that the incumbent government should brief the House about the negotiations held on the water dispute with India. According to him, the government is hiding the issues from opposition. He demanded of the India to stop human rights' violation in the occupied Kashmir and urged the UN to take steps for resolution of the Kashmir issue for long lasting peace in the region.