ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations on Thursday, continuing a long-standing confidence-building measure under a bilateral agreement signed in 1988. The development was confirmed by Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi during the ministry’s weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
Under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, both countries are required to share details of their nuclear sites every year. The agreement, signed on December 31, 1988, came into force on January 27, 1991, with the first exchange taking place on January 1, 1992.
Nuclear Lists and Prisoner Exchange
Speaking at the briefing, Andrabi said Pakistan formally handed over its list of nuclear installations and facilities to a representative of the Indian High Commission at the Foreign Office. Meanwhile, India shared its corresponding list with the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi on the same day.
In addition, the two sides exchanged lists of prisoners under the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008. Andrabi said India provided a list of Pakistani prisoners in its custody, while Pakistan shared details of Indian prisoners held in Pakistan. Under the agreement, both countries must exchange these lists twice a year on January 1 and July 1.
FO Flags Concerns Over Hydropower Projects
The Foreign Office also raised concerns over India’s reported approval of the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in India-held Jammu and Kashmir. Andrabi said Pakistan had not received any prior information, which is mandatory under the Indus Waters Treaty.
He stressed that India cannot misuse its restricted allowance to unilaterally construct hydroelectric projects on western rivers. According to Andrabi, Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner has sought detailed clarification from his Indian counterpart regarding the project’s scope and compliance with treaty provisions.
Andrabi reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains a binding international agreement. He said Pakistan remains committed to peaceful dispute resolution but will never compromise on its water rights.
The spokesperson also reiterated Pakistan’s support for China’s core interests, including Taiwan, and confirmed that hundreds of stranded Pakistanis had safely returned from Afghanistan.
