Pakistan on Thursday issued a strong warning against any attempt to block or significantly reduce water flows from rivers shared with India, saying such actions could have serious consequences for regional peace and stability.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to recent remarks by India’s Water Minister C.R. Patil, who stated that New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop of water” reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Andrabi said any deliberate effort to restrict water vital to Pakistan’s agriculture, economy and population would be viewed with utmost seriousness. He stressed that such actions would violate international obligations governing transboundary rivers as well as the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty between the two countries.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s position that water should never be used as a political tool, instrument of coercion or weapon. He warned that any attempt to disrupt water supplies could threaten regional peace and security and would have far-reaching implications for millions of people who depend on these resources.
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s rights regarding its water resources are non-negotiable and the country will continue to safeguard its interests through diplomatic, legal, political and other means available under international law and the United Nations Charter.
During the briefing, Andrabi also commented on concerns surrounding India’s nuclear arsenal following findings highlighted in a recent international report. He said Pakistan was not surprised by indications of continued expansion in India’s strategic capabilities and urged the international community to closely monitor developments that could affect regional stability.
The spokesperson further addressed the issue of 11 Pakistani seafarers being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia. He said their safe recovery remains a high priority for the government, adding that Pakistan is maintaining close coordination with Somali authorities, the ship owner and relevant international stakeholders to secure their release.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace while stressing that it would continue to protect its national interests and closely monitor developments related to shared water resources.