ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly endorsed remarks by prominent Chinese policy expert Victor Gao on the Indus Waters Treaty, backing his call for protecting Pakistan’s water rights and describing his views as supportive of regional peace and stability.
Sharing Gao’s comments on social media, Asif welcomed the position taken by the Chinese analyst, who serves as president of the Centre for China and Globalisation (CCG), amid renewed debate over the future of the treaty and water security in South Asia.
Speaking at a seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty, Gao said no country should doubt China’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s fundamental interests, particularly its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
No one in this part of the world should second-guess China’s commitment to defending Pakistan’s fundamental interests, especially its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the context of our meeting today, this also includes the Pakistani people’s right to the free flow of… pic.twitter.com/ElpzcWhAAU
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) July 1, 2026
He also said Pakistan’s right to the uninterrupted flow of water under the Indus River system should be respected, describing access to water as a humanitarian and regional security issue rather than merely an economic concern.
Calls for China’s Inclusion
Gao proposed expanding the Indus Waters Treaty to include China, arguing that a trilateral framework would better address future water challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.
The proposal has prompted debate among regional analysts, with some viewing it as a possible mechanism for broader cooperation while others see it as a major shift in one of the world’s longest-standing water-sharing agreements.
Criticism of Water Restrictions
During his address, Gao also recalled opposing comments by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on restricting water supplies to Pakistan, saying any attempt to deny water to millions of people would be inconsistent with international norms and could have serious humanitarian consequences.
Asif’s endorsement of the remarks reflects Islamabad’s long-standing position on the Indus Waters Treaty and highlights growing Pakistan-China alignment on issues of regional security, water governance and strategic cooperation.
The Chinese scholar also stressed that the Pakistani people’s right to the uninterrupted flow of water in the Indus River system should be recognised and respected.
According to Gao, access to water is not only an economic issue but also a matter closely linked to regional peace, stability, and human security.
