ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday said presence of Indian forces on Siachen Glacier is a serious environmental threat to Pakistan.

He said Pakistan is a country facing water shortage and Indian troops are damaging on a daily basis the environment of Siachen, one of the largest sources of Pakistani waters.

Speaking to media representatives, Aziz termed the presence of Indian forces on Siachen a big issue and urged India to resolve it on a priority basis by pulling out its troops from the area.

He said 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 due to human presence.

Regarding outstanding water issues between Pakistan and India, the advisor said both countries are engaged to resolve them through multiple channels including Pakistan-India composite dialogue and Indus Water Commission.

He said implications of water scarcity are grave in view of climate change. Sartaj Aziz stressed on the proper usage of water in Pakistan, its conservation and building of new water reservoirs.

The Senate has recently formed a committee to deliberate various dimensions of water related issues and to suggest its recommendations, he said.

Sartaj Aziz further said Planning Commission's 2025 Vision will concentrate on water resources and will prepare a comprehensive sustainable development strategy while keeping in view water scarcity of the country.

To a question, he hoped for positive results regarding Afghan reconciliation process as international community is committed to establishing peace in Afghanistan. He added that there is enormous international and internal pressure on all the stakeholders.