Pakistan Will Give Befitting Response To Any Misadventure: Islamabad On India Suspending Indus Water Treaty

In its first response to India's announcement that the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan will be held in abeyance with immediate effect over the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Islamabad has warned New Delhi that it will give a befitting response to any misadventure.

Pakistan Defence Minister's Statement

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that India cannot take a unilateral decision on the Indus Waters Treaty as the World Bank is a guarantor. "Pakistani nation unites when it comes to matters of national identity, and that the country's armed forces, including the Air Force, have full defensive capabilities," ARY News quoted the defence minister as saying.

The Defence Minister stated that Islamabad wants normal relations with India and its neighbouring countries but it will not hesitate to give a strong response if provoked.

"We will respond to India's adventures in the same way we did during the Abhinandan episode. If India makes any misadventure, we will give a befitting response," Asif added. "Our armed forces, including the Air Force, have full defensive capabilities. We proved our strength four years ago and will do so again if needed."

He then accused India of supporting terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and that the world is aware of it. He continued, "Pakistan has been the biggest victim of terrorism in the world," Asif said. "Everyone knows who is behind the militancy in Balochistan and KP."

How It Will Impact Pakistan?

On Wednesday evening, India announced that the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan will be held in abeyance, until Islamabad credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

India's strategic use of the term "abeyance" signals that the Indus Waters Treaty isn't being permanently terminated but can be reactivated if Pakistan curbs cross-border terrorism and prosecutes those responsible.

Importantly, putting the treaty "in abeyance" does not mean that all water-sharing has stopped-water will continue to flow as before. Instead, this move marks India's first significant alteration, in April 2025, to rules that until now were considered untouchable.

However, suspending the treaty's operative mechanisms will halt bilateral cooperation, including the exchange of crucial hydrological data. Without timely information on river flows and dam operations, Pakistan could face severe challenges in managing its waterways, potentially precipitating a major water crisis down the line.

The Indus river system comprises the main Indus River, five left-bank tributaries in India (the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej-collectively known as the Eastern Rivers-and the Jhelum and Chenab, part of the Western Rivers), plus the Kabul River on Pakistan's side. Both nations rely heavily on these waters for agriculture, industry, and drinking supplies.

With inputs from agencies.