Table of Contents
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a stark warning to India following its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. Addressing a public rally in Sukkur, Sindh, Bhutto-Zardari declared, “I want to tell India that the Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either our water will flow through it, or their blood will” .
Background: The Pahalgam Terror Attack and India’s Response
On April 23, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), initially claimed responsibility for the attack. However, TRF later denied involvement, alleging that their communications network had been compromised by Indian cyber-intelligence operatives .
In response to the attack, India launched a series of diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan, including:
- Downgrading diplomatic ties with Islamabad.
- Expelling Pakistani military attachés.
- Halting the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Shutting down the Attari land transit post .
Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty
Signed on September 19, 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. Under the treaty, the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—were allocated to India, while the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—were allocated to Pakistan. The treaty has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, surviving multiple conflicts between the two nations.
India’s recent decision to suspend the treaty marks a significant shift in its approach to bilateral relations with Pakistan, signaling a hardening stance in the wake of continued cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan’s Reaction and Bilawal Bhutto’s Remarks
Bhutto-Zardari accused India of scapegoating Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack to deflect attention from its internal security lapses. His remarks came just days after India’s punitive actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty .
In Pakistan, the treaty’s suspension triggered an emergency meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bhutto-Zardari. The government is also reconsidering the controversial canals project in light of the development.
International Implications and Calls for Restraint
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. There have been calls for both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. The United Nations has urged both countries to avoid actions that could further escalate the situation.
Conclusion
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the subsequent statements by Pakistani leaders mark a significant deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. As both nations navigate this crisis, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a return to diplomatic engagement.
Stay informed with The Instant News – Your Trusted Source for Breaking News and Reliable Updates.
