Pak Minister: War if Indus Waters Threatened - Tensions Soar with India
Pak Minister: War if Indus Waters Threatened - Tensions Soar with India
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issues a stark warning, stating military action against India is possible if water security is threatened. Tensions escalate over the crucial Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has delivered a stern warning, indicating that Pakistan might consider military action against India if its water security faces a serious threat. This comes amid mounting concerns over the future flow of rivers governed by the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty.
Speaking during an ARY News interview, Asif stated that the Pakistani government is closely monitoring alleged violations and any attempts to alter the current situation. "The moment we feel that our national security — and water is part of our national security — is being threatened, we will go to war against India. Definitely," he affirmed. Asif added that the option of war would be considered if material evidence showed India moving at an “alarming speed” towards disrupting water supplies.
These comments were made after the programme aired a clip of India’s Water Minister, C R Patil, claiming that the flow of Indus water to Pakistan could be completely stopped by June 2028. The host also cited an alleged tender for a tunnel project aimed at diverting Chenab water towards the Beas basin, as well as sediment-removal work at the Salal power station. It’s important to note that these specific claims were not independently verified during the broadcast.
Asif highlighted that Pakistan has historically monitored Indian projects under the Indus Waters Treaty, including through physical inspections. He claimed that Pakistani teams had conducted approximately 115 inspections to examine the height, storage capacity, and other technical aspects of water infrastructure. However, he admitted not having the latest information regarding developments over the past year.
While expressing doubt over India’s ability to fully contain the Chenab river, citing past floods where water, debris, animals, and even people were swept across the border, the host countered that India wouldn’t need to completely stop the water to cause significant damage. They argued that delayed releases alone could disrupt critical crop cycles and severely impact Pakistan’s agricultural sector, highlighting the gravity of any potential water flow manipulation.
