Islamabad has issued a stern warning to New Delhi against any efforts to obstruct water supplies to Pakistan, declaring that such actions would be regarded with utmost gravity and constitute an “act of war.” This warning follows remarks by Indian Minister of Water CR Patil, who stated that India is working to ensure “not a single drop of water” reaches Pakistan.
In response, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized during a weekly press briefing that any move to block water would be a highly irresponsible violation of international obligations and the Indus Waters Treaty. He affirmed that Pakistan would take all necessary steps to protect its economy, vital national interests, and the wellbeing of its 250 million citizens.
Andrabi urged India to act responsibly by honoring its international commitments and avoiding statements or actions that could escalate regional tensions further. Notably, India suspended its membership in the Indus Waters Treaty in May 2025, accusing Pakistan of supporting a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), allegations that Pakistan has firmly denied.
The treaty regulates the use of water from six rivers originating in India and flowing into Pakistan as part of the Indus basin, a crucial resource for hundreds of millions of people. The Foreign Office spokesperson also dismissed India’s comments on Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), contrasting the situation there with IIOJK. He described IIOJK as an illegally annexed, internationally recognized disputed territory where residents face systemic abuses under harsh laws and are denied fundamental rights, including self-determination. Conversely, he noted that in AJK, governance issues are being addressed within a democratic and constitutional framework.
Regarding the recent SIPRI report, Andrabi stated that its findings confirmed Pakistan’s concerns about India’s increasing vertical proliferation and strategic capabilities, including advancements in canisterisation, sea-based systems, and longer-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). He clarified that Pakistan is not interested in engaging in an arms race or matching India’s arsenal numerically but remains vigilant about the evolving security environment. Pakistan will continue to implement necessary measures to maintain strategic stability and deter any potential aggression from India.
