Pakistan Issues Strong Warning After Indian Minister Says 'Not a Single Drop' Will Reach Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan's Foreign Office on Thursday strongly warned India against any attempt to block or significantly reduce water flowing into Pakistan, stating that such an action would have serious consequences and could even be viewed as an act of war under international law.

During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to recent remarks made by India's Water Minister CR Patil, who claimed that India was working to ensure that "not a single drop of water" reaches Pakistan in the coming years following directives from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Andrabi said any effort to stop or reduce water that is essential for the livelihoods, agriculture, and well-being of more than 250 million Pakistanis would be highly irresponsible. He stressed that such a move would violate international obligations governing shared rivers as well as existing bilateral agreements between Pakistan and India.

The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan rejects any attempt to use water as a political tool, means of coercion, or weapon. He warned that any deliberate effort to disrupt Pakistan’s access to critical water resources would threaten regional peace and security and that responsibility for any resulting tensions would lie with India.

According to Andrabi, Pakistan's rights over its water resources are non-negotiable. He stated that the country would use all available diplomatic, political, legal, and economic avenues, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to protect its interests.

He further noted that Pakistan would closely monitor developments in Indian-occupied Kashmir and other areas from which these rivers originate, while urging India to act responsibly and honor its international commitments.

Concerns Over India's Growing Nuclear Arsenal

Responding to a question about a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Andrabi said Pakistan was not surprised by findings that India continues to expand its nuclear arsenal.

He stated that the report supports Pakistan's longstanding concerns regarding India's ongoing military and nuclear buildup. According to Andrabi, Pakistan is also closely observing India's advancements in missile systems, nuclear-capable submarines, and longer-range ballistic missile programs.

The spokesperson warned that these developments could negatively affect strategic stability in South Asia by increasing operational readiness and making future crises more difficult to manage. While reaffirming that Pakistan does not seek an arms race, he stressed that Islamabad remains committed to maintaining credible deterrence and regional stability.

Pakistan also called on the international community and suppliers of advanced technologies to carefully consider the implications of supporting capabilities that could further destabilize the region.

Efforts Continue for Release of Pakistani Sailors Held in Somalia

Addressing the situation of 11 Pakistani sailors being held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia, Andrabi described their safe return as a top priority for the government.

The sailors were taken captive when pirates hijacked the vessel MT Honour 25 on April 21. While acknowledging the challenges involved, Andrabi said Pakistan continues to work closely with Somali authorities and the ship owners to secure the crew's release.

He revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has personally discussed the matter with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and emphasized the need for the sailors' early release and safe return.

The Foreign Office has also engaged Somalia's ambassador in Islamabad, while Pakistan's embassy in Djibouti has dispatched teams to Mogadishu to assist in ongoing efforts. Another high-level meeting on the matter is expected to take place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week.

Andrabi explained that the situation is complicated by tribal dynamics in the region where the hostages are being held, making negotiations particularly difficult. He appealed to the families of the sailors to remain patient, assuring them that the government remains fully committed to securing their freedom.

Pakistan Still Hopeful About Mediation Efforts in Iran Conflict

Commenting on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, Andrabi said Pakistan remains committed to diplomatic efforts despite the challenges created by renewed hostilities.

He acknowledged that opportunities for dialogue have narrowed but noted that conflicts often go through cycles of escalation and diplomacy. According to the spokesperson, Pakistan continues to coordinate with regional partners in pursuit of peace and de-escalation.

Andrabi referred to recent diplomatic engagements, including contacts between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as well as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's visit to Tehran.

He urged observers not to dismiss Pakistan's potential role as a mediator, saying that maintaining hope and continuing diplomatic engagement are essential for achieving peace.

While he did not confirm any upcoming official visits between Pakistan and Iran, Andrabi said such exchanges remain possible in the future as both countries continue to engage on regional issues.