Pakistan warns of full-force response over Indus water diversion

26/4/2025 17:18

Pakistan on Saturday warned of a full-force response to any attempt by India to divert or block its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty.



Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, described water as a "vital national interest" and said any interference would meet firm resistance.



"No one should harbor any illusions about Pakistan's resolve," he said. "Any disruption to our water flow will trigger a response proportional to the threat."



The warning comes amid Islamabad's concerns over what it describes as Indian efforts to alter the flow of the Indus basin rivers. Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates control over six rivers between the two neighbours. Pakistan accuses India of undermining the accord by constructing upstream projects in disputed regions.



Despite the strong stance, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to international norms and peaceful cooperation. "We are a responsible state that believes in dialogue, but we will not compromise on our core interests," he said.