Karachi: Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has sharply criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), terming it an “attack on the Indus Valley civilisation and culture.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual three-day festival at the shrine of Sindhi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai on Monday, Bilawal warned that while Pakistan advocates peace, it will not hesitate to respond if provoked.
“If war is waged, then from the land of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai we will send a message to the Modi government that we do not retreat, we do not bow down; and if you dare think about launching an attack on the Indus river, then the people of every province of Pakistan will be ready to confront you,” he declared.
India suspended the 1960 treaty a day after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, as part of punitive measures against Pakistan.
Bilawal, who also chairs the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), stressed that the Indus river is Pakistan’s primary water source and is deeply intertwined with its history. “The Indus civilisation is connected to this river,” he said, calling the suspension an attack on the nation’s identity.
Highlighting his diplomatic efforts, Bilawal claimed Pakistan’s concerns were raised internationally to counter India’s “threat to cut off the water supply to 200 million people.” He also told the public that Pakistan has the strength to “take back the six rivers” if necessary.
