Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warns that war may be inevitable if India blocks Pakistan’s water rights, emphasizing that water is vital for Pakistan’s survival. The remarks come amid rising tensions following India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty after a recent attack linked to Islamabad. While asserting the preference for peace, Bilawal stresses that Pakistan’s water security is non-negotiable and accuses India of supporting terrorism within Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: In a significant statement, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a stark warning about escalating tensions with India, asserting that any attempts by India to block Pakistan’s water would leave war as the only recourse. “Such actions pose an existential threat to Pakistan… Water is our lifeline,” he stressed during an interview with DW Urdu.
Bhutto-Zardari was specifically referring to India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following a recent attack in Pahalgam, located in the Indian-occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi suggested a connection between Islamabad and the attack but provided no evidence, which has added to already strained relations between the two countries.
In retaliation, Pakistan has expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers and imposed restrictions on Indian visitors, barring all but Sikh pilgrims. Islamabad firmly denied any involvement in the Pahalgam incident and welcomed an independent investigation into the matter.
During his message to global stakeholders, Bilawal recently led a high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation in Brussels, following visits to Western cities like Washington and New York. The aim was to counter Indian propaganda stemming from the recent armed conflict between the two nations.
In the interview, Bilawal characterized India’s potential move to halt water supply as a violation of UN principles, asserting, “If India resorts to water aggression, Pakistan will be left with no choice but war.” He also accused India of fomenting terrorist activities within Pakistan, asserting their position against war as a solution to terrorism.
“We do not want war,” he reiterated, underscoring that Pakistan values peace. However, he made it clear that the country’s survival and its water security are paramount and non-negotiable.
Last month, tensions escalated significantly when Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting Indian military installations. The operation reportedly saw Pakistan shoot down six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including high-tech Rafale models.
The conflict, which lasted 87 hours, ultimately concluded with a ceasefire brokered by the United States on May 10, resulting in tragic casualties: 53 lives lost, among them 13 armed forces personnel and 40 civilians due to Indian strikes during the confrontation.
In summary, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a strong warning about the potential for war if India undermines Pakistan’s water rights. Both nations remain locked in a precarious rivalry marked by accusations and military confrontations. Bilawal emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace, yet reaffirmed its unwillingness to compromise on water security. The international community is likely to be watching closely as this situation evolves, given its implications for regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
