RAWALPINDI – Pakistan Army has issued one of its strongest warnings yet over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), declaring that every necessary measure will be taken to safeguard Pakistan’s legitimate share of water amid growing tensions with India.
The declaration came during the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), chaired by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.
Reviewing India’s recent rhetoric regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, the forum reaffirmed its full support for the National Security Committee’s directives issued on 24 April 2025, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to protecting its water rights. The military leadership stated that ensuring Pakistan’s rightful share of water remains a national priority and pledged to implement all measures directed by the government in line with the aspirations of the Pakistani people. The remarks come amid continued tensions over the treaty, which has become a key point of contention between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The conference began with Fateha for the martyrs of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and innocent civilians, reaffirming that their sacrifices remain the bedrock of Pakistan’s security, unity, and resilience.
The forum reviewed the country’s prevailing security environment and expressed satisfaction over the Pakistan Armed Forces’ operational preparedness, professionalism, and combat readiness.
Participants voiced serious concern over the alleged use of Afghan Taliban-controlled territory by India-backed militant groups, including Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), to carry out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. The forum maintained that lasting regional peace depends on preventing such groups from operating from Afghan territory and asserted that the Afghan Taliban authorities bear responsibility for denying safe havens to these elements.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s right to defend its citizens against terrorism, the military leadership stated that intelligence-based operations under Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq will continue against terrorist threats originating from across the border.
Beyond military operations, the conference stressed the urgent need to strengthen governance in conflict-affected areas through improved public service delivery, welfare initiatives, and measures aimed at dismantling the nexus between terrorism and criminal networks allegedly sustained by vested political interests.
The forum also observed that following what it described as Pakistan’s decisive success during Mark-e-Haq, hostile actors have increasingly resorted to externally supported hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns to create instability. It strongly condemned all forms of state-sponsored financing, facilitation, and support for proxy groups, warning that any attempt to destabilize Pakistan through hybrid means would be met with a firm and coordinated response.
Reviewing the broader regional landscape, the commanders appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability while reaffirming the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law, and enhanced regional cooperation.
The forum also condemned what it described as continuing human rights violations and demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding position that Kashmir remains its “jugular vein.” It reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people and stressed that lasting regional peace depends on granting them their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Concluding the conference, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir directed commanders to accelerate the Armed Forces’ multi-domain transformation plan in response to the evolving nature of modern warfare. He instructed commanders to maintain the highest standards of vigilance, operational readiness, and professional excellence while ensuring integrated responses to conventional, sub-conventional, and hybrid threats to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.
