Islamabad, The Foreign Office has said that Pakistan would do everything to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty as all options were on the table to preserve the Indus Water Treaty – a lifeline and right of 240 million people – sanctified by international law, and bilateral treaties.

“The Indus Water Treaty has been very clear. It’s unambiguous… All options are on the table for Pakistan. It is our lifeline and our right. We will do everything to secure this right for our people,” FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said while addressing the weekly press briefing.

He told the media that Pakistan was in touch with all the friendly countries to convey its position clearly, however, there were no mediation efforts so far.

Reiterating the decisions taken by the National Security Committee, including the closure of Wagah Border, suspension of trade, closure of airspace, downgrading of diplomatic ties, and suspension of visas, excluding Sikh pilgrims, he said that India was in no position to make any unilateral decision to hold the water treaty in abeyance.

“Pakistan is a responsible country. It remains committed to fulfill its obligations under international law and bilateral agreements. However, it takes two to tango. India should not create a situation where we are constrained to take extreme steps… The National Security Committee has pronounced itself very clearly that any attempt to dramatically alter or stop the water treaty would be considered as an act of war,” he added.