Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Monday that India is attempting to weaponize water against Pakistan, asserting that Islamabad will not permit any encroachment on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. Speaking at an event commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Dar accused India of trying to hold 240 million Pakistanis hostage through what he termed “water terrorism” – a direct reference to New Delhi’s perceived abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“India cannot impose its will on Pakistan and must reconsider its policies,” the Deputy Prime Minister declared. He warned that any actions by India, including an attempt to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, would be deemed unacceptable and counterproductive.
Dar further accused India of aggression under the guise of a false-flag operation, specifically referencing the Pulwama incident, and affirmed that Pakistan had responded effectively and immediately at that time. He emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty, stating it would not allow its rights under international agreements to be compromised. “India wants to use water as a weapon, but Pakistan stands firm in protecting its interests,” he reiterated.
The Foreign Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent principled stance on Kashmir, describing it as a globally recognized dispute. “A peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue is essential for stability in the region,” he stated, while accusing India of grave violations of international law.
Dar welcomed the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent support for Tehran’s legal position. He also urged for the resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue.
Commenting on the dire situation in Gaza, the Foreign Minister condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis and expressed deep concern over the atrocities being committed in the besieged Palestinian enclave. “Pakistan is seriously concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East,” he added.
‘Modi’s Political End is Near’
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an exclusive conversation with Geo News, stated that the Court of Arbitration’s ruling is “very clear” and offers no scope for unilateral decisions by either Pakistan or India under the Indus Waters Treaty. He affirmed that the verdict makes it evident that neither party can take any action that undermines the treaty’s fundamental basis. “We had anticipated India would resort to intransigence,” he said, adding that following India’s defeat in the arbitration, it has become increasingly difficult for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept such decisions.
Commenting on Modi’s political future, Asif remarked: “I believe Narendra Modi’s political days are numbered.” When asked about the recent admission by an Indian military attaché that their aircraft had been shot down, Asif suggested, “It’s possible India only became aware of the aircraft losses after a delay.”
Referring to his recent participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting, Asif noted an absence of tension despite the presence of Indian officials. “The SCO operates under established rules. You don’t get to respond to someone else’s speech once yours is over,” he explained.
“There’s no opportunity to criticise someone else’s remarks. When they [India] were not allowed to criticise, they refused to sign the joint communiqué,” Asif highlighted. He further stated that countries present at the SCO meeting supported Pakistan’s stance. “India’s position was baseless and founded on lies,” he concluded. “It found no support at the international forum.”
