Bilawal warns India’s water disruption may lead to nuclear war

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed serious concerns about India’s actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that the disruption of Pakistan’s water supply could lay the groundwork for the first nuclear war over water. In a statement made on Thursday at the Middle East Institute in Washington, Bilawal emphasized that India’s decision to halt Pakistan’s water supply is an existential threat, asserting that such actions are tantamount to an act of war.

Bilawal stated, “We are not speaking in a jingoistic manner; this is not something we relish. Any country, regardless of its size or power, would defend its survival and fight for its water.” He called on the global community, including the US, to ensure that India adheres to the IWT, which is a World Bank-brokered agreement that India is allegedly disregarding.

He warned that if India is allowed to stop Pakistan’s water supply, it would set a dangerous precedent that could escalate conflicts worldwide, with upper riparian countries threatening lower riparian nations. He further stated, “If we are to have meaningful dialogue with India, it must first respect the treaties already in place.”

Bilawal pointed out that India suspended the IWT after tensions rose between the two countries, particularly following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Kashmir. In response, Pakistan suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, and closed the Wagah border, halting trade with New Delhi.

The former foreign minister criticized India for refusing cooperation on terrorism and other diplomatic offers, including an investigation into the Pahalgam attack, and the mediation proposed by US President Donald Trump. Bilawal argued that such actions would only lead to more terrorism and war, not peace.

While calling for cooperation between India and Pakistan, Bilawal emphasized that peace could only be achieved through mutual understanding, where water, a vital resource, must flow freely between both nations. He underscored the importance of collaboration to eradicate terrorism and promote prosperity in Kashmir.