ISLAMABAD: In a strong rebuke from Washington, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused India of weaponizing water against Pakistan, calling it a deliberate act of aggression aimed at depriving 240 million people of their rightful share.
Speaking during a press conference as the head of a parliamentary delegation, Bilawal denounced what he termed India’s “hostile behavior,” stating that New Delhi’s actions violate international norms and pose a serious threat to regional stability.
He criticized the Indian government for maintaining a provocative posture and misleading both its citizens and the global community.
Highlighting a specific instance, Bilawal pointed out how India delayed admitting the loss of its aircraft for an entire month, showcasing a pattern of obfuscation and denial.
He warned that the water issue is not just bilateral but a humanitarian and environmental crisis in the making.
Violation of International Norms
Bilawal emphasized that India’s attempts to block Pakistan’s water share represent a severe violation of existing treaties and international water-sharing agreements.
He underscored the urgent need for international oversight and intervention to prevent a humanitarian disaster, accusing India of undermining decades of diplomacy through unilateral actions.
Furthermore, he recalled the arrest of Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav in Balochistan as irrefutable evidence of India’s direct involvement in acts of terrorism within Pakistan, reiterating Islamabad’s long-standing concerns about cross-border interference.
Pakistan Open to Dialogue for Peace
Despite the tensions, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue, stressing that peace must be a shared objective. “We are willing to talk on all matters, but peace should be a mutual goal,” he asserted.
He welcomed efforts by international actors, especially the role played by U.S. President Donald Trump in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear powers.
In a separate statement on X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal expressed appreciation for Washington’s mediation efforts, adding that Pakistan is prepared to work with the United States to ensure lasting peace and security in South Asia.
