Pakistan’s top security adviser Wednesday called for withdrawal of Indian troops from Siachen
Glacier, considered as the world highest battle field Islamic republic news agency reported..
He said presence of Indian forces on Siachen Glacier is a serious threat to the environment of Pakistan.
Indian and Pakistani troops are face-to-face at Siachen for years in freezing temperature. Pakistan says that Indian troops had occupied its parts in Siachen in mid-80s.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan is a country facing water shortage and Indian forces are damaging the virgin snow of Siachen on daily basis‚ which is one of the largest sources of Pakistani waters.
Aziz urged India to resolve the issue on priority basis by pulling out its troops from the glacier.
He told Radio Pakistan that items of daily use disposed of by thousands of Indian soldiers are threatening the existence of the glacier.
"According to environmentalists‚ glacial retreat on Himalayas and Karakorum ranges has accelerated during the recent years because of human presence on the glaciers,” Aziz said.
Regarding outstanding water issues between Pakistan and India‚ the advisor said both countries are engaged in resolving the issues through multiple channels including Pakistan-India composite dialogue and Indus Water Commission.
"Implications of water scarcity are grave in view of climate change,” the adviser said and stressed on the proper usage of water in Pakistan‚ its conservation and building of new
water reservoirs.
He hoped for positive results regarding Afghan reconciliation process as international community is committed to establishing peace in Afghanistan. He said there is enormous
international and internal pressure on all the stakeholders.