Pakistan defence minister warns of war with India over Indus water dispute

Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that Islamabad could consider military action against India if water supplies governed by the Indus Waters Treaty were deemed a threat to Pakistan’s national security. He cited alleged Indian moves to alter river flows and warned that “the moment we feel … water is being threatened, we will go to war against India.” The remarks came after India’s water minister suggested the flow of Indus water to Pakistan could be halted by June 2028 and after the treaty’s suspension following a terror attack in Pahalgam.

At the same time, Pakistan is grappling with a severe internal water crisis that affects roughly one‑third of its population, especially in the Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Canal deficits are reported at 64 % for the North West Canal, 38 % for the Rice Canal and 82 % for the Dadu Canal, with the Sukkur Barrage’s levels falling sharply. Pakistan claims it has conducted around 115 inspections of Indian water projects but admits it lacks current data. The escalating water shortage and inter‑provincial disputes are intensifying tensions between the two nuclear‑armed neighbours.