Pakistan warns India against weaponising water, reaffirms readiness to defend vital national interests

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday issued a strong warning against any attempt by India to block or curtail water flows critical to the country’s survival, cautioning that such a move could have “far-reaching consequences” and may be considered an act of war under international law.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to recent remarks by Indian Water Minister CR Patil, who stated that India was working to ensure that “not a single drop of water” reaches Pakistan in the coming years.

Andrabi said any deliberate effort to obstruct water essential for the livelihood, agriculture and well-being of more than 250 million Pakistanis would be a deeply irresponsible act and a violation of international obligations governing transboundary rivers, as well as bilateral commitments between the two countries.

“Pakistan firmly rejects any notion that water can be used as a political tool, instrument of coercion or weapon,” he said, warning that such actions would pose a serious threat to regional peace and security.

The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s rights over its water resources were non-negotiable and would be protected through all available diplomatic, political, legal and economic means in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

“Any deliberate attempt to block water essential to Pakistan’s survival and development would constitute an extremely grave act with far-reaching consequences,” he said, adding that Pakistan reserved the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its economy, national interests and the lives of its citizens.

He urged India to act responsibly, honour its international commitments and avoid statements or actions that could further escalate tensions in South Asia.

Concerns raised over India's expanding nuclear capabilities

Commenting on a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Andrabi said Pakistan was not surprised by findings indicating an expansion of India’s nuclear arsenal.

He said the report broadly corroborated Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding India’s continued vertical proliferation and suggested that the actual scale of India’s strategic capabilities may be larger than reflected in available assessments.

The spokesperson pointed to developments including the canisterisation of missile systems, expansion of sea-based nuclear assets and the pursuit of longer-range intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“These developments enhance operational readiness, complicate crisis stability and carry implications beyond South Asia,” he said.

While reiterating that Pakistan was not interested in an arms race, Andrabi stressed that the country remained vigilant in the face of evolving security challenges and would continue efforts to preserve strategic stability and deter aggression.

He called on the international community, particularly suppliers of advanced technologies, to carefully assess the implications of strengthening India’s strategic capabilities.

Government intensifies efforts for release of Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates

The Foreign Office also said the rescue and safe return of 11 Pakistani sailors held captive by pirates off the coast of Somalia remained a top priority for the government.

The sailors were among the crew members of MT Honour 25, which was hijacked by pirates on April 21 near Somalia’s southeastern coast.

Andrabi acknowledged that despite sustained efforts, authorities had not yet secured their release due to the complex and challenging nature of the situation.

“We are engaged with Somali authorities and the ship owners, both of whom are in contact with the pirates to facilitate an early release,” he said.

The spokesperson noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had personally raised the issue with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, expressing grave concern and urging immediate action for the sailors’ safe release and repatriation.

Pakistan has also engaged the Somali ambassador in Islamabad, dispatched diplomatic teams to Mogadishu through its embassy in Djibouti, and held multiple inter-ministerial meetings on the issue.

An additional high-level meeting is scheduled at the Foreign Office next week to review ongoing efforts.

Describing the case as operationally difficult, Andrabi explained that the hostages were being held in a semi-autonomous region where tribal dynamics further complicated negotiations.

He urged the families of the sailors to remain patient, assuring them that the government was pursuing all possible avenues to secure their release.

Pakistan remains committed to diplomacy in Iran-US tensions

Responding to questions regarding the latest escalation between Iran and the United States, Andrabi said Pakistan remained committed to diplomatic engagement despite shrinking space for dialogue.

He stressed that mediators and facilitators must not lose hope, even during periods of heightened hostilities.

“Let us not draw the curtains on Pakistan’s mediation role, and let us not lose hope,” he said.

The spokesperson noted that Pakistan continued to coordinate closely with regional partners, citing recent diplomatic engagements including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Tehran.

While he did not confirm any upcoming bilateral visits between Pakistan and Iran, Andrabi said such engagements could not be ruled out as Islamabad continued efforts to support peace and stability in the region.