On Thursday, Pakistan issued a strong warning to India, stating that any deliberate attempt to obstruct water supplies crucial for Pakistan’s survival and development would provoke serious repercussions. This warning came in response to recent remarks by Indian Water Minister CR Patil, who declared that New Delhi is actively following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives to ensure that no water flows into Pakistan in the coming years.
During a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized that such measures would be treated with utmost seriousness and could be interpreted as an “act of war” under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Water security is regarded by Islamabad as an existential matter for its population of 250 million, who depend heavily on cross-border rivers for agriculture, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
Pakistan maintains that any significant reduction in water flow would breach international obligations concerning transboundary rivers and violate the bilateral Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The country has consistently rejected the use of water as a political weapon or coercive tool, warning that such irresponsible actions endanger peace and security throughout South Asia.
The Foreign Office spokesperson further clarified that Pakistan would employ all available diplomatic, political, legal, and economic avenues—including provisions under the UN Charter—to safeguard its water rights. Notably, India suspended its participation in the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in May 2025 following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan, however, insists the treaty remains valid as it does not provide for unilateral withdrawal.
In addition, the Foreign Office dismissed recent Indian statements concerning Azad Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as “irresponsible” attempts to divert attention from the situation in the occupied territory. Andrabi reiterated that Kashmir is a globally recognized disputed region and that Indian claims lack legitimacy under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Addressing wider regional concerns, Pakistan expressed deep apprehension over rising tensions in the Middle East and Gulf areas, urging all parties to honor ceasefire agreements and prioritize diplomatic solutions.
Separately, the spokesperson updated on the ongoing Somali piracy crisis involving several Pakistani nationals held hostage for nearly 50 days aboard a cargo ship alongside crew members from other countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently engaged with his Somali counterpart to stress Pakistan’s grave concern and called for urgent measures to secure the hostages’ release.
Furthermore, the Foreign Office summoned the Somali ambassador in Islamabad to formally convey its concerns, highlighting the complexity and urgency of the situation.
