ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday accused India of attempting to weaponise water against Pakistan, vowing that Islamabad would not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Speaking at the 52nd anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Dar alleged that India was holding 240 million Pakistanis hostage through what he called “water terrorism” — a reference to New Delhi’s actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.
“India cannot dictate terms to Pakistan and must rethink its aggressive policies,” Dar stated. He warned that any unilateral attempt to suspend or undermine the treaty would be both unacceptable and counterproductive.
Referring to the Pulwama incident, Dar accused India of staging aggression through false-flag operations, and asserted that Pakistan had responded effectively and decisively at the time.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its rights under international agreements, stating, “India wants to use water as a strategic tool, but Pakistan will firmly safeguard its national interests.”
Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding stance on Kashmir, calling it a globally recognised dispute. He urged the international community to work toward a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that regional stability hinges on the settlement of the Kashmir issue. He also accused India of committing grave violations of international law in the disputed region.
On foreign policy, Dar welcomed the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, expressing support for Tehran’s legal position and calling for a peaceful resolution to Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue.
He further condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, expressing serious concern over the atrocities in the besieged Palestinian enclave. “Pakistan is deeply worried about the worsening situation in the Middle East,” he said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif underscored the importance of the Court of Arbitration’s ruling, stating it prevents unilateral actions under the Indus Waters Treaty.
“This verdict reaffirms that no party can take steps that compromise the treaty’s foundation,” Asif said. He accused India of acting with obstinacy and added that the ruling has made it harder for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to justify his position.
Commenting on Modi’s political standing, Asif remarked, “I believe Narendra Modi’s political days are numbered.”
