Pakistan warns India over water blockade threats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s on Thursday warned that any attempt by India to deliberately block water essential for Pakistan’s survival and development would lead to “far-reaching consequences”.

The stern warning followed a recent statement by Indian Water Minister CR Patil, who told the ANI news agency that New Delhi is “actively working” on directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that “not a single drop of water” flows into Pakistan in the coming years.

At a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that such an action would be treated with the utmost gravity and could be considered an “act of war” under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Islamabad has categorised water security as an existential issue for its 250 million citizens, who rely on cross-border rivers for agriculture, livelihoods, and general well-being.

Pakistan says any significant reduction in water flow would violate international obligations regarding transboundary rivers and the existing bilateral Indus Water Treaty (IWT).

Pakistan has earlier rejected the use of water as a political weapon or tool of coercion, noting that such irresponsibility threatens peace and security across South Asia.

The FO spokesperson clarified that Pakistan would utilise all available diplomatic, political, legal and economic means — including the UN Charter—to defend its water rights.

India previously suspended its membership in the 1960 IWT in May 2025 following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan has consistently maintained that the treaty remains in force as it lacks a mechanism for unilateral withdrawal.

The Foreign Office also dismissed recent Indian statements regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir, labeling them “irresponsible” attempts to distract from the situation in the occupied territory.

“Kashmir is a globally recognized disputed region,” Andrabi said, adding that Indian claims have no validity or justification under UN Security Council resolutions.

Regarding broader regional stability, Pakistan expressed “deep concern” over escalating tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region, urging all parties to respect ceasefire agreements and prioritize diplomacy.

Somali Piracy Crisis

The spokesperson provided an update on several Pakistani citizens who have been held hostage by pirates in Somalia for approximately 50 days.

The hostages are reportedly aboard a cargo ship along with crew members from other nations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently spoke with his Somali counterpart to emphasize Pakistan’s “extreme concern” and urged immediate action for their safe recovery.

The Foreign Office also summoned the Somali ambassador in Islamabad to formally register its concerns as the situation remains highly complex.