“India has two options: share water fairly, or we will take it from all six rivers,” Bilawal said, referring to India’s announcement to suspend the 1960 treaty following the April 23 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
No Legal Basis for Suspension, Says Bhutto
Bilawal maintained that the treaty does not permit unilateral withdrawal. “India’s claim that the treaty is in abeyance has no legal basis. According to the UN Charter, cutting off water is a form of aggression,” he said, adding that India’s course of action could risk open conflict. “We do not want war, but if water is used as a weapon, Pakistan will be forced to act — and we are in a position to defeat India just as we have before,” he claimed.
Urges Resumption of Dialogue and Anti-Terror Cooperation
The former foreign minister also urged the resumption of dialogue and counterterrorism cooperation. He argued that India’s politicisation of terrorism issues had hindered regional peace. “Without engagement, violence will only increase,” he said.
Accuses India of Targeting Pakistan on Global Platforms
Bilawal further accused India of misusing international forums to target Pakistan, referencing India’s lobbying efforts during Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list. He criticised what he described as “PM Modi’s new normal,” where terrorist incidents are followed by immediate threats. “We suffer more attacks than India — many linked to Indian funding. Should we respond in kind?” he asked.
Indus Waters Treaty: A Rare Surviving Accord
He concluded by stressing that sustainable peace in South Asia requires dialogue and mutual trust. The IWT, signed in 1960, allocates water from six rivers between India and Pakistan. India controls the eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas and Sutlej – while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
Not the first time Bhutto has threatened India
“The Indus is ours and will remain ours – either our water will flow through it, or their blood,” former foreign minister was quoted saying by Pakistani media few days after India put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance in response to the Pahalgam massacre. (With inputs from TOI)
