ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday warned that any deliberate attempt to block water essential to Pakistan’s survival and development would have “far-reaching consequences”.
“Any such act would be treated with utmost seriousness and could possibly amount to an act of war under Article 51 of the UN Charter,” said FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during a weekly media briefing while responding to a question about recent remarks by the Indian water minister.
A day earlier, Indian Minister of Water CR Patil told India’s ANI news agency that “not a single drop of water will go [to Pakistan] in the coming years”. He added that India was “actively working on it” following “directives” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Taking note of the remarks, Andrabi said that any attempt to block or substantially curtail water vital to the livelihood, agriculture and well-being of over 250 million Pakistanis would be a deeply irresponsible act.
He added that such a move would violate established international obligations concerning transboundary rivers as well as India’s own bilateral agreements with Pakistan.
“Pakistan firmly rejects any notion that water can be treated as a political tool or instrument of coercion or a weapon,” he said, warning that such actions would pose a threat to regional peace and security in South Asia and beyond.
He further stated that responsibility for any threat to international peace and security would fall squarely on India’s shoulders.
The FO spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan’s rights and interests regarding its water resources were non-negotiable.
He said Pakistan would “vigorously” defend those rights using all available diplomatic, political, legal, economic and other measures consistent 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, as stated at the top leadership level by Pakistan,” Andrabi warned.
He added that every state had the right of self-defence, and Pakistan would take all necessary measures to safeguard its economy and the lives of 250 million people.
Andrabi called on India to act responsibly, honour its international commitments, and refrain from statements or actions that could further escalate tensions in the region.
He said Pakistan remained committed to safeguarding its interests and would closely monitor developments on the ground in Indian-occupied Kashmir and other areas from where these water resources originate.
In response to a question regarding India’s nuclear arsenal expansion, as reflected in a recent Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, Andrabi said the findings were not surprising for Pakistan.
He said it broadly confirmed concerns Pakistan has consistently raised regarding India’s continued vertical proliferation, and suggested that the findings may not fully reflect the scale of India’s nuclear arsenal.
The spokesperson noted developments in India’s strategic capabilities, including the cannisterisation of missile systems, expansion of sea-based nuclear-capable submarines, and pursuit of longer-range intercontinental ballistic missile systems beyond the region.
Andrabi warned that these developments could have grave consequences for international peace and security.
He added that such advancements enhance operational readiness and complicate crisis stability, with implications extending beyond South Asia.
He said Pakistan did not seek an arms race and was not interested in matching warheads or ammunition numbers, but remained aware of the evolving security environment.
Pakistan, he said, continued efforts to preserve strategic stability and deter any possible Indian aggression, while urging the international community to closely monitor the situation.
He warned that deployment of India’s nuclear arsenal could affect strategic stability in South Asia and undermine regional and global peace and security.
He further said the international community, especially suppliers of high technology, should consider the implications of advanced technologies being incorporated into India’s posture.
On the issue of Pakistani seafarers held hostage in Somalia, Andrabi said their rescue and safe repatriation remained a high priority, though the situation was difficult and operationally challenging.
The seamen were taken hostage more than a month ago when armed pirates hijacked the MT Honour 25 off the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21, with 11 Pakistanis among the crew.
“Sadly, despite our best efforts, we have not been able to secure their release,” he said, adding that Pakistan was still making earnest efforts to bring them home.
He said Pakistan was engaged with Somali authorities and the ship owner, both of whom were negotiating with the pirates for an early release.
He recalled that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had been in contact with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali regarding the matter.
During the call, Dar expressed grave concern and stressed the need for the early and safe repatriation of the captives, while also urging improved living conditions for them aboard the vessel.
The Somali side assured continued and sincere efforts to secure their release, and both leaders agreed to remain in close coordination until the matter is resolved.
Further, Andrabi said the Somali ambassador in Islamabad had been called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the issue.
He noted that Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti had dispatched teams to Mogadishu, while inter-ministerial and inter-departmental meetings were ongoing.
He added that another important in-person meeting would be held next week at the Foreign Ministry.
The spokesperson said the situation remained operationally challenging, as the captives were held in a semi-autonomous region with complex tribal dynamics involving different local groups.
He urged the families of the seafarers to remain patient, reiterating that the matter remained a high priority for Pakistan.