Pakistan Warns Against Violation of Indus Waters Treaty, Urges Respect for Sovereignty

ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Alliance News): 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 infringement on its sovereignty or territorial rights.

Speaking at the 52nd anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Dar alleged that India was holding 240 million Pakistanis “hostage” by stalling implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

“India wants to use water as a weapon, but Pakistan stands firm in protecting its interests,” Dar said, warning that any unilateral suspension or violation of the decades-old treaty would be unacceptable and counterproductive.

He added that New Delhi’s recent moves represented a form of “water terrorism” and urged Indian policymakers to reconsider their aggressive stance.

Dar also referred to India’s past aggression, particularly after the Pulwama incident, accusing New Delhi of using false-flag operations to provoke conflict. “Pakistan responded effectively then and will do so again if its sovereignty is threatened,” he stressed.

The foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute, calling it a globally recognised issue that required peaceful resolution.

“A just settlement of the Kashmir issue is vital for regional peace,” he said, accusing India of “gross violations” of international law in the occupied territory.

Dar also welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, calling it a positive development. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Tehran’s legal position and stressed that Iran’s nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Turning to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Dar condemned Israeli actions in the besieged Palestinian enclave and expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis. “Pakistan is seriously concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East,” he said.

Modi Facing Political Decline, Says Khawaja Asif
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in an interview with Geo News, said the recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration had made it clear that neither India nor Pakistan could take unilateral action under the Indus Waters Treaty.

“The decision leaves no room for unilateralism. We knew India would try to act stubbornly, but they were clearly defeated,” he said.

Commenting on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political future, Asif predicted: “I believe Modi’s political days are numbered.” He said India was now struggling to defend its position after losing the legal battle, which had weakened Modi’s political standing.

Referring to a recent admission by an Indian military attaché about the loss of Indian aircraft, Asif said it was likely that India had only acknowledged the incident after a delay. He said such realities further erode New Delhi’s credibility internationally.

Speaking about his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting, Asif said the atmosphere remained professional despite the presence of Indian officials.

He noted that the SCO follows strict protocols where responses to speeches are not allowed, and India had refused to sign the joint communiqué after it was denied a chance to criticise other members.

“India’s stance was baseless and rooted in lies,” Asif said. “No country supported India’s position at the SCO forum. On the contrary, Pakistan’s stance received understanding and support.”