Pakistan Warns of Aggressive Steps if India Constructs New Water Infrastructure

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's parliamentary delegation leader and Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned of taking more aggressive steps if India builds new canals or a new dam on the three rivers in Pakistan's domain. Pakistan is concerned that India's threat to shut off the water supply to 240 million people is a violation of the UN Charter. Bhutto emphasized that Pakistan has been to war with India before and had many exchanges, but never had such a drastic step been taken. He urged India to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issues, stating that there is no military solution to any of the issues between India and Pakistan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan's parliamentary delegation leader and Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned India against constructing new canals or dams on the three rivers in Pakistan's domain, threatening to take more aggressive steps if they do.
  • Bhutto stated that India's threat to shut off the water supply to 240 million people is a violation of the UN Charter.
  • Pakistan believes that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve issues between India and Pakistan.
  • The former foreign minister emphasized that there is no military solution to any of the issues between India and Pakistan.
  • Bhutto mentioned that Pakistan had taken effective action against terrorist groups under the FATF framework and was removed from the FATF grey list.
  • He stated that the terrorist attack in India had nothing to do with Pakistan and was carried out by an indigenous group within India.
  • Bilawal Bhutto urged the UK to encourage India to engage in dialogue with Pakistan, emphasizing the country's "unique role" in the situation.
  • He believed that the UK government is keen to encourage both sides to engage in dialogue to deal with all issues.
  • Bhutto highlighted that India refused to talk and the delegation was going from capital to capital, engaging with the international community, seeking their assistance in this pursuit for peace.

Statistics:

  • 240 million people in Pakistan would be affected by India's threat to shut off the water supply.
  • Pakistan has been removed from the FATF grey list.
  • 3 rivers in Pakistan's domain are at risk of being affected if India constructs new canals or dams.

Sources:

  • Sky News
  • Reuters