Pak says India’s Siachen trekking expedition will undermine peace process

Islamabad, Oct 11 (ANI): Pakistan has opposed India’s trekking expedition at Siachen, saying it could undermine the ongoing peace process.

“India should desist from acts that cast shadow on the peace process,” the Dawn quoted the country’s Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq as saying at a weekly briefing.

The trekkers currently undergoing acclimatisation at the Siachen base camp will undertake a long trek from Oct 12 to 19 from the base camp to the Kumar post.

“Pakistan has taken up the matter with India expressing concern over the expedition,” he said while reiterating his protest against the trekking expedition.

Similar protests by Pakistan had been ignored by India last year when it opened up the 72-km-long glacier for civilian tourism.

Regarding the issue of reduction of water flow in Chenab River, Sadiq said that Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner would inspect the Baglihar Dam from Oct 18.

The spokesman said Pakistan could intensify its efforts for getting the controversy resolved. “We are seriously concerned over significant reduction in flow of water in Chenab River. It has caused extensive damage to our agriculture. The Indian action is a clear violation of Indus Waters Treaty.” (ANI)