The chief military spokesperson has issued a solemn warning to India concerning its threat to sever Pakistan’s water share from the mighty Indus River system.
Such an act, he cautioned, would unleash consequences that might haunt both nations for countless generations, as tensions between these nuclear-armed neighbors continue to spike.
Should India choose to transform water into a weapon by obstructing an Indus River tributary, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphatically declared, ‘It would take a madman to think they can cut off the water supply to over 240 million people of this country. Although I hope that time never comes, any such act would reveal itself on the world stage, resulting in consequences we would battle with for decades, if not generations. Nobody should dare to stop Pakistan’s water.’ He shared these sentiments in a gripping interview with Arab News.
This stark warning follows New Delhi’s recent, unilateral decision to suspend the ages-old Indus Waters Treaty, a move made last month after blaming Pakistan for a devastating attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)—an accusation Islamabad adamantly denies.
The brewing crisis rapidly escalated into cross-border fire and military confrontations. On the fateful night of May 6-7, India launched an array of strikes penetrating the Line of Control (LoC), even expanding their assault to Pakistan’s mainland by alleging they were targeting militant strongholds. Pakistan retaliated with precision, striking 26 Indian military targets until a ceasefire, brokered by the United States, took effect on May 10.
Despite this ceasefire, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi boldly announced this week an impending halt to the water flow from the Indus River system to Pakistan—a move that Islamabad perceives as a grave existential threat and a blatant act of war.
According to official reports, India’s recent strikes have claimed the lives of at least 40 civilians, among them 22 women and children. In a calculated response, Pakistan targeted Indian military sites while painstakingly sparing civilian infrastructure.
The Pakistan armed forces are renowned for their professionalism and unwavering commitment. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of the political government and fulfill our promises with precision and dedication,” stated the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations. “Regarding the Pakistan Army, we are confident this ceasefire will be upheld smoothly, as there have been significant confidence-building measures in communication between both sides,” he added with assurance.
Both nations have previously accused each other of violating the ceasefire since the truce was established. Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s cautious and deliberate response: “In the event of any violation, our response is immediate and precise, targeting only those posts and positions responsible for the breach. We steadfastly avoid targeting civilians and civil infrastructure.”
He also reported that India suffered the loss of six aircraft and a sophisticated Russian-made S-400 air defense system during the intense four-day conflict. Among these losses were several French Rafale fighters. While earlier news had indicated five aircraft downed, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed earlier this week that the actual number has risen to six.
“I can confirm that the sixth aircraft is a Mirage 2000,” affirmed Lt Gen Chaudhry. “Our focus was solely on the aircraft … we demonstrated restraint, although we had the capability to inflict more damage,” he remarked firmly. He further issued a warning that unless the core issue of Kashmir is addressed, the possibility of renewed conflict remains high.
“Their policy on Kashmir is ineffective,” observed the Director General of the ISPR, adding, “Until Indians are willing to engage in dialogue about Kashmir, for both countries to sit together and find a solution, the potential for conflict persists.”