ISLAMABAD: Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has accused India of pushing South Asia dangerously close to a nuclear conflict over water resources.
Speaking at a Washington forum, Bilawal called on the international community to recognize water as an existential threat for Pakistan and to condemn what he described as Indian aggression.
Bilawal highlighted the escalating tensions linked to the Indus Waters Treaty violations, warning that India’s repeated water cutoffs could trigger the “first nuclear water war.”
He urged global powers to stand firmly with Pakistan against these actions, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond politics—touching the survival of millions.
Calls for Independent Probe into Pahalgam Incident
At the Middle East Institute in Washington, former US ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson supported Pakistan’s demand for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident, which nearly sparked a nuclear conflict between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Patterson criticized India’s refusal to provide forensic evidence and pointed out that mistrust hampers US-Pakistan relations despite security cooperation.
She recommended that impartial agencies like the FBI or Scotland Yard lead the inquiry to uncover the truth and prevent further escalation. The call reflects growing demands for transparency and accountability amid rising regional tensions.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid US Engagement
Both Indian and Pakistani delegations are currently in Washington, engaging with US officials to lobby for their respective positions.
Pakistani representatives, including Senator Sherry Rehman and former ministers, pressed for equal representation and raised concerns over India’s aggressive posturing.
Meanwhile, the Indian delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, met with US Vice President JD Vance and congressional leaders to present their narrative.
Experts warn Washington to balance its engagement carefully, noting India’s traditional advantage in US sympathies.
Pakistani scholars stress the need for renewed intelligence cooperation and US support to effectively combat terrorism and stabilize the region.
