Pakistan Defence Minister Warns of Conflict With India Over Water Security
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a sharp warning to India over water security, stating that Islamabad could consider military action if it believes its national interests are under serious threat.
Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, Asif said water security was directly linked to national security and warned that any perceived attempt to disrupt Pakistan’s water supply would be viewed with utmost seriousness by the government.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two countries following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. New Delhi has maintained that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan takes effective action against cross-border terrorism.
During the interview, Asif accused India of using water as a strategic tool and alleged that river flows and water-sharing arrangements were being manipulated. He suggested that Pakistan would closely monitor developments and respond if it believed its water interests were being adversely affected.
The comments have surfaced at a time when Pakistan is grappling with significant domestic water-related challenges. Several regions, particularly Sindh and Balochistan, continue to face water shortages that have affected agriculture, livelihoods and local economies.
Official figures from provincial authorities indicate substantial water deficits across major canal systems. Concerns have also been raised over declining water availability at key irrigation points, with farmers and local leaders warning of severe economic consequences if the situation persists.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the support of the World Bank, has long governed water-sharing arrangements between India and Pakistan. Despite multiple wars and periods of diplomatic tension, the agreement had largely remained operational until recent developments strained bilateral relations.
As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue across South Asia, experts have stressed the importance of dialogue, resource management and regional cooperation to address long-term challenges linked to climate change, population growth and agricultural demand.
The latest remarks from Pakistan’s defence minister are likely to add another layer of tension to already strained relations between the two neighbours, with water security emerging as a key point of contention alongside broader political and security concerns.
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