Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued a sharp warning against India over its decision to halt the distribution of Indus River waters to Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack. In a televised interview, Bhutto stated that if India continues its current stance, “war may become unavoidable.”
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India launched ‘Operation Sindhoor,’ targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian government also imposed a series of diplomatic and economic measures: halting Indus water sharing, cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals, closing the Attari-Wagah border, suspending trade, and sealing its airspace to Pakistan.
Facing mounting internal economic challenges, Pakistan has written four letters to India, requesting a review of the water blockade. However, India has reportedly remained firm, insisting that water supply will resume only if Pakistan hands over PoK.
Bhutto criticized India’s silence, saying, “If India’s attitude persists, conflict may be the only option left. Pakistan does not want war, but we will defend our water rights and national security at all costs.” He also urged global powers, including the United States, to step in and condemned India’s actions as detrimental to regional peace.
He emphasized that peaceful dialogue is the only sustainable path forward, stating that meaningful talks between India and Pakistan are crucial for long-term stability in South Asia.