Pakistan’s Stance on Indus Waters

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a stern warning to India regarding the ongoing Indus Waters dispute. In a recent statement, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan would not permit India to take “even one drop” of water that belongs to his country. This declaration follows Pakistan’s call for India to resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been in abeyance since May. Sharif’s remarks were made during a ceremony in Islamabad on International Youth Day, where he asserted that the Indus waters are the lifeblood of Pakistan and stressed that there would be “no compromise” on Pakistan’s rights under international accords.

Escalating Tensions and War Threats

The Pakistani premier’s comments came shortly after Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto issued a war threat to India over the suspension of the decades-old Indus Water Treaty. Bhutto claimed that New Delhi’s actions have caused “great damage” to Pakistan and urged all Pakistanis to unite against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, during a visit to the US, warned of a nuclear war, threatening significant global consequences if Islamabad faced an existential threat from India.

India’s Response and Strategic Moves

In response to these developments, New Delhi has taken several measures, including putting the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in “abeyance” following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorists involved in the attack. Under the treaty, brokered by the World Bank, India holds rights over the waters of the Beas, Satlej, and Ravi rivers, while Pakistan has rights over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. Furthermore, India is proceeding with its largest hydroelectric power project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir without seeking a no-objection from Pakistan, as mandated under the treaty.

International Reactions

India’s Foreign Ministry has formally condemned Munir’s nuclear war threats, describing them as typical of Pakistan’s rhetoric. The ministry expressed regret over such remarks being made from a friendly third country’s soil.