New Delhi: Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has issued a strong warning to India, stating that Islamabad could consider military action if it believes its water security is under threat.
Speaking amid growing tensions over water-sharing arrangements, Asif described water as a vital component of Pakistan’s national security and said any perceived attempt to disrupt supplies could trigger a serious response. He also suggested that Pakistan would closely monitor developments and act if it found evidence of actions that could significantly affect the country’s access to water resources.
The remarks come months after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. New Delhi has maintained that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered with the support of the World Bank in 1960, has long governed the sharing of water from the Indus river system between the two neighbours. Under the agreement, Pakistan relies heavily on the basin for agricultural and irrigation needs.
Asif accused India of using water as a strategic tool and alleged interference in river flows and information sharing. However, his comments also drew attention to Pakistan’s own water management challenges, with several regions facing acute shortages.
The country is currently grappling with a significant water crisis, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. Reports indicate substantial shortages across key irrigation canals, affecting agricultural activity and raising concerns among local communities.
Declining water levels at the Sukkur Barrage have further intensified concerns, with regional leaders warning of severe economic consequences if distribution and infrastructure issues are not addressed.
The latest remarks add to already strained relations between India and Pakistan, with water security emerging as another flashpoint in a relationship long shaped by geopolitical and security concerns.
