Has Pak Army spokesman echoed Hafiz Saeed's threats to India regarding the Indus Waters Treaty?
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Synopsis
In a striking address, the Pakistani military spokesperson mirrored Hafiz Saeed's threatening rhetoric towards India over the Indus Waters Treaty. This development arises amidst heightened tensions following a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, escalating the ongoing conflict regarding water-sharing agreements between the two nations. Explore how these statements could impact regional relations.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's military spokesperson warns India over water treaty.
- India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty amid rising tensions.
- Statements echo Hafiz Saeed's hostile rhetoric.
- Future talks will focus on the return of Indian territories.
- India emphasizes that terror and dialogue cannot coexist.
Islamabad, May 23 (NationPress) The spokesperson for the Pakistani military, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has issued a stern warning to India, echoing sentiments previously expressed by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader, Hafiz Saeed.
During an address at a university in Pakistan, he commented on India's recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty until Islamabad takes steps to eliminate terrorism and ceases its support for terrorist organizations operating from its territory.
Chaudhry's remarks followed India's suspension of the water-sharing agreement after a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. He stated, “If you block our water, we will choke your breath.”
This rhetoric closely resembles that of Hafiz Saeed, the architect of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, who is notorious for inciting hostility against India and the United States.
In a widely circulated video on social media platform X, Hafiz Saeed is heard making similar threats.
India's suspension of parts of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23 came in response to the aforementioned attack. This treaty, established in 1960 and facilitated by the World Bank, regulates the distribution of the Indus River and its tributaries between Pakistan and India.
New Delhi has consistently stated that “blood and water cannot flow together; talk and terror cannot coexist,” reinforcing its firm stance against Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
The treaty's suspension is part of a broader strategy to counteract Islamabad, including the recent “Operation Sindoor”, launched on May 7 against nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India declared that any future negotiations with Pakistan will be limited to discussions regarding the return of illegally occupied Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that “terror and talks can't coexist,” making it clear that India is only interested in conversations about the extradition of wanted terrorists already identified and shared with Islamabad.
He reiterated India's position on the Kashmir issue, stating, “Any bilateral discussion will only focus on the return of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan.”
Regarding the suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Jaiswal confirmed that it will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible measures to cease its support for terrorism.
He echoed Prime Minister Modi's assertion: “Water and blood cannot flow together,” indicating a hardening of India's stance on the historic water-sharing accord.
In another significant development, two staff members of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi were declared ‘persona non grata’ due to activities incompatible with their official roles.
“One has already departed from India, while the other was given 24 hours to leave,”
said Jaiswal, underlining the seriousness of their actions.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message at a public rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan, warning Islamabad that it would have to “struggle for every penny” if it continues its support for terrorism and that it would not receive India’s rightful share of water under the current treaty. “Playing with the blood of Indians will now cost Pakistan dearly,” he added.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan with a balanced lens, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue and peace. While the rhetoric from both sides escalates, focusing on constructive solutions rather than confrontation is crucial for regional stability. Our position remains committed to advocating for a peaceful resolution to conflicts while recognizing the complexities involved.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs water sharing between India and Pakistan, regulating the use of the Indus River and its tributaries.
Why did India suspend the Indus Waters Treaty?
India suspended parts of the treaty in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the deaths of 26 people.
What was the reaction of the Pakistani military spokesperson?
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry issued a warning to India, echoing threats made by Hafiz Saeed, stating that if India blocks water, they would retaliate.
What does India say about talks with Pakistan?
India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that future dialogues will focus solely on the return of illegally occupied Indian territory and that “terror and talks can't coexist.”
What actions has India taken against Pakistan-related terrorism?
India has initiated countermeasures such as “Operation Sindoor” targeting terrorist hideouts and has declared staff members of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as ‘persona non grata’ for misconduct.
