In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan and India carried out their annual exchange of lists detailing nuclear installations and prisoners on Thursday, January 1. This exchange represents one of the few remaining formal channels of communication between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, even as their broader relationship remains tense over issues like shared water resources.
Annual Exchange of Nuclear and Prisoner Lists
Pakistan formally handed over its list of nuclear installations to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Simultaneously, India shared its corresponding list with officials at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This practice is mandated by the 1988 Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.
On the same day, under the terms of the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, both nations also swapped lists of prisoners held in each other's custody. Pakistan provided details of 257 Indian prisoners, which included 58 civilians and 199 fishermen. India was expected to reciprocate by sharing its list of Pakistani detainees. The Foreign Office stated that this exchange aims to facilitate consular access and ensure the timely repatriation of prisoners, especially those who have completed their sentences.
High-Level Interaction and Downplayed Significance
The routine diplomatic exchanges coincided with a rare public interaction between senior officials from both countries in Dhaka on Wednesday. Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were seen shaking hands briefly on the sidelines of the state funeral for former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
This encounter, which gained traction on social and regional media, marked the first high-level face-to-face contact since recent hostilities. However, the Foreign Office sought to minimize its political importance. A spokesperson indicated they would not elaborate beyond the speaker's own public explanation of the meeting.
Serious Concerns Over Indus Waters Treaty Violations
While limited protocols continue, Pakistan has voiced strong objections to India's alleged breaches of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The focus of concern is New Delhi's reported approval of the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated these reports raised "serious concerns," particularly because India failed to share prior information about the project as required by the treaty. Pakistan's Indus Waters Commissioner has formally requested clarification from his Indian counterpart regarding the project's design, scope, and potential impact on downstream water flows into Pakistan.
Andrabi reiterated that India cannot unilaterally exploit its limited allowances under the IWT. He emphasized that any project on the western rivers is subject to strict design, operational, and information-sharing obligations. He also noted that recent rulings by the Court of Arbitration have reaffirmed the treaty's standing as a binding international agreement.
Broader Regional and International Stances
The Foreign Office briefing also addressed several other key issues. Pakistan expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence in Yemen, reaffirming support for the country's unity and territorial integrity while opposing unilateral actions that could further destabilize the region. Islamabad reiterated its complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed regional de-escalation efforts.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation. They discussed regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The Crown Prince expressed his desire to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in the coming year.
Furthermore, Pakistan strongly condemned any attempts to undermine Somalia's sovereignty, specifically rejecting Israel's reported recognition of the so-called Somaliland region. Pakistan joined several Muslim nations in issuing a joint statement condemning the move as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
On Afghanistan, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan's diplomatic missions are coordinating the safe return of Pakistani nationals following border closures. Islamabad continues to urge Kabul to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
