We don’t want war, but will defend Indus if attacked: Bilawal

MIRPURKHAS: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thrusday warned India against targeting the Indus River, saying Pakistan does not seek war but will fight back if the river comes under threat.

Addressing a public rally in Mirpurkhas, Bilawal said, “We saved the Indus together — that was our mission. We will not let the Butcher of Gujarat, Modi, choke the Indus. We don’t want war, but if anyone attacks our Indus, we will fight.”

He criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly targeting the Indus Waters Treaty following a recent militant attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

“India says it no longer recognises the treaty, but we reject this declaration. Indus is not just a river — it is our history and culture. Let Modi know — either water will flow in the Indus or blood.”

Bilawal thanked civil society, lawyers and political workers for supporting the campaign to protect Sindh’s water rights.

Referring to recent efforts to halt proposed new canals, he said: “Despite having only two representatives in the Council of Common Interests, the PPP blocked these anti-Sindh projects.”

He praised President Asif Ali Zardari for opposing the canal plan in parliament, saying, “Our opponents don’t have the courage to stand up against canal construction, so they criticise the president instead.”

Taking aim at rival political parties, Bilawal said they had repeatedly compromised democratic values and public rights. “PPP does not bow down before anyone — we have always stood by our principles,” he said.

Responding to allegations following the Pahalgam attack, Bilawal said India should catch the real culprits instead of blaming Pakistan.

“We have fought terrorism and will continue to do so till the end.”

He vowed to expose India’s true face to the world, branding it an extremist state that falsely portrays itself as democratic and peaceful.

“Our armed forces are capable of giving a fitting response to any aggression. We want peace, but if war is imposed, we are ready,” he said.

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