According to Dawn, Indian delegates tried to interrupt Pakistani speaker’s address in South Africa
Indian delegates, according to Dawn, tried to interrupt the address of Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. He spoke about climate change adaptation and climate justice.
The publication notes that the Indian delegates repeatedly attempted to intervene during the speech. A video reported on by Dawn shows attempts to take control of the microphone and disrupt the course of the session.
Statements on water resources
During his address, Sadiq raised the issue of “water terrorism” without naming any country. He also spoke about sudden inflows of water in rivers and water retention, linking these issues to climate change, water resources and climate justice.
Sadiq stated that climate change adaptation policy should be shaped with effective public participation. According to him, democratic institutions should oversee climate measures. He also noted that climate change affects food, water and healthcare, and that Pakistan is among the countries particularly affected by its consequences.
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Reaction in the hall
According to Dawn, the attempts by Indian delegates to take the microphone affected the atmosphere in the hall. A representative of the host side and a speaker from Jamaica asked them either to remain silent or leave the hall. Other participants advised the delegates to listen to Sadiq’s speech. Despite the incident, the discussion on climate change adaptation and climate justice continued.
Sadiq also stressed the role of parliaments in the practical implementation of climate policy and the need for parliamentary oversight of international climate finance. He called on parliaments to exchange experience in countering climate risks, develop cooperation and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Dawn adds that the Indus Waters Treaty remains a subject of dispute between Pakistan and India. According to the publication, in August the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ordered India to comply with the treaty with Pakistan and suspend work on a hydropower project in Kashmir.
