Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has issued a strong warning to India, declaring that water is the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis and any hostile attempt to deprive Pakistan of its water rights will receive a response akin to previous confrontations.
Addressing the Senate on Friday, Dar reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) cannot be unilaterally revoked, emphasizing that any decision to terminate the agreement must be based on mutual consent, as clearly stated within the treaty itself.
“Water is a matter of survival for our people. The National Security Committee has already made it clear that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s share of water will be treated as an act of war,” said Dar.
Referring to recent tensions following the Pahalgam incident in India, Dar noted that while Pakistan was monitoring the situation carefully, India had not directly accused Pakistan, nor was there any concrete evidence linking Islamabad to the event.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression.
“Anyone who looks at Pakistan with a hostile eye will face a response similar to the past,” he asserted.
Dar also criticized India’s behavior in the region, stating that New Delhi’s intransigence is a major obstacle to peace and development in South Asia, particularly within the framework of SAARC.
“SAARC’s progress has been held hostage by the stubbornness of one country,” he said, without naming India directly.
Key Developments Shared by the Deputy PM:
Visa Revocation: Indian nationals currently in Pakistan under the SAARC Visa Scheme have been ordered to leave within 48 hours.
Unified Political Stance: Dar thanked opposition leaders for their support, stating that the government and opposition were united on matters of national interest.
Diplomatic Outreach: Pakistan has briefed officials from 26 countries about the current situation. Further briefings are ongoing, and Dar is scheduled to speak with the Saudi Foreign Minister later this evening at 7 PM.
Dar concluded his remarks by underlining that Pakistan continues to pursue diplomatic avenues, but will not hesitate to defend its national interests.
“We are politically united, diplomatically engaged, and militarily ready,” he stated firmly.
