Slams India’s ‘water terrorism’, vows to defend sovereignty
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has said that India must review its policies and it cannot impose its will on Pakistan.
Speaking at the Foundation Day ceremony of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Dar warned New Delhi against unilateral actions and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and sovereignty.
He strongly criticised India’s use of “false flag operations” to justify aggression against Pakistan, particularly citing the Pulwama incident, which he said was used by India to stage a fabricated narrative. “India must revisit its strategic choices and end its policy of coercion,” Dar stated. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity and uphold its sovereign rights.
On the Kashmir issue, the DPM said the dispute is internationally recognised and its peaceful resolution is essential for regional stability.
He accused India of openly violating international laws, while reiterating Pakistan’s adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence.
Commenting on global affairs, Dar welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for Iran’s legitimate stance.
He called for dialogue-based resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning ongoing atrocities in the region.
Ishaq Dar said that India was attempting to weaponise water against Pakistan, vowing that Islamabad would not allow any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Dar said India was trying to hold 240 million Pakistanis hostage through what he described as “water terrorism” — a reference to New Delhi’s holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“India cannot impose its will on Pakistan and must reconsider its policies,” the deputy prime minister said. He warned that India’s actions, including any attempt to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally, would be unacceptable and counterproductive.
Dar accused India of aggression under the pretext of a false-flag operation, referring to the Pulwama incident, and asserted that Pakistan had responded effectively and immediately at the time.
He stressed that Pakistan remains committed to defending its sovereignty and will not allow its rights under international agreements to be compromised. “India wants to use water as a weapon, but Pakistan stands firm in protecting its interests,” he said.
The foreign minister also reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir, calling it a globally recognised dispute. “A peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue is essential for stability in the region,” he said, while accusing India of gross violations of international law.
Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a foreign policy rooted in geo-economics and unwavering adherence to international peace and security.
“One of the core principles guiding this foreign policy approach is accentuating Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics,” Dar said, highlighting his personal leadership in promoting economic diplomacy as a key pillar of the country’s global engagement.
Referring to the India’s unfounded allegations following the Pahalgam attack, and its unprovoked aggression in May 2025, the deputy PM said Pakistan swiftly retaliated to the Indian escalation with a “quid pro quo plus” response – which is the “new normal” set by Pakistan if India insists on its dangerous notion of ‘limited war under the nuclear threshold.’
Citing China’s peaceful rise, Russia’s resurgence, and the growing influence of ‘Middle Powers’ and the ‘Global South’ in global politics, Dar said dialogue is the only way to resolve bilateral and international issues as the use of power could result in total destruction and devastation.
