Pakistan's war-mongering statement on Indus Waters Treaty: Silence on Hafiz Saeed, Defence Minister's threat

Islamabad, 26 April 2025: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has made a provocative statement after India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. He termed India's move as an "act of war" and warned that it could unleash a "full-blown war" if India stops the flow of water. The statement came after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for the attack and suspended the treaty. However, Khawaja Asif did not comment on the mastermind of the attack, Hafiz Saeed, whom India has described as the main conspirator of the attack.

Asif's threat on Indus Water Treaty

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview to Sky News on April 24, "India's decision to suspend the treaty is unilateral and illegal. If India stops the flow of water, it will be a declaration of war for us." He claimed that the water of the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers is the backbone of Pakistan's economy and agriculture, and its stoppage is a matter of "life and death" for the country. Asif also said that Pakistan would respond with the "full scope of national power", which analysts saw as an indirect threat of nuclear weapons. The statement came after a meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee, in which Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif described India's move as "illegal and politically motivated".

Silence on Hafiz Saeed

The role of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed has come to light in the Pahalgam attack. According to Indian intelligence agencies, Saeed and his deputy Saifullah plotted the attack from Pakistan. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by LeT-affiliated outfit 'The Resistance Front' (TRF). Saeed, who is the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, roams freely in Pakistan, but Asif has not made any statement on it. Analysts say Asif's silence reflects Pakistan's double policy towards terrorism.

Pakistan's confession on terrorism

In another interview, Khawaja Asif admitted that Pakistan has sheltered terrorism for the last 30 years. He said, "Our policies encouraged terrorism, and it was our mistake." This confession indicates nervousness over India's tough stand after the Pahalgam attack. Asif expressed concern over the "aggressive attitude" of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that India could take a "big step".

Pakistan's response

Pakistan took several steps in response to India's treaty suspension. It closed the Wagah border, imposed airspace restrictions and halted the Cholistan Canal project, which is now useless because India can block the water. Pakistan Peoples Party leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also threatened, “Either the water of the Indus will flow, or the blood of India.” Pakistan has sought intervention from the United Nations, but India has said it is a bilateral issue.

Importance of Indus Water Treaty

The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, gave India control of the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan got control of the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers. The treaty has survived despite three wars between the two countries. 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture and hydropower depend on it. “Pakistan will not get a drop of water,” said India’s Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.

Conclusion

Khwaja Asif’s statement has taken India-Pakistan tensions to new heights. Their threat of war and silence on Hafiz Saeed has once again highlighted Pakistan's policy towards terrorism. Experts believe that India's treaty suspension and water blockage plan could devastate Pakistan's economy. This situation is a threat to regional stability, and the global community is now watching the next move of both countries.