Key points
- India refuses dialogue: Bilawal
- Says India must honour Indus Waters Treaty
- Seeks global support in pursuit of peace
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that cutting off Pakistan’s water supply would amount to an act of war, cautioning that New Delhi’s actions risk triggering the world’s first nuclear conflict over water.
Speaking at the Middle East Institute in Washington, Bilawal stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a delegation with a clear mission: to pursue peace through dialogue and diplomacy with India.
“You might ask why we are here in Washington and not speaking directly to our adversary… they refuse to engage,” he said, referring to India’s continued reluctance to enter into talks.
Leading a multi-party delegation to various world capitals, Bilawal is presenting Pakistan’s position on the recent escalation with India, which brought the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale conflict.
Pakistani response
Tensions flared after India launched airstrikes within Pakistani territory, prompting a swift and proportionate Pakistani response against Indian military targets. A ceasefire was eventually reached on 10 May.
Although the situation has calmed since the ceasefire, India’s approach to Pakistan’s water rights remains highly contentious and continues to strain bilateral relations.
During his address, the PPP chairman emphasised that Pakistan remains open to new agreements, arrangements, or even treaties with India. However, he stressed that meaningful progress can only occur if India first honours its existing obligations.
“If we are to achieve peace through dialogue and diplomacy, then India must begin by upholding previous treaties and reversing its decision regarding the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said.
Refusal to cooperate
He criticised the Indian government’s consistent refusal to cooperate, highlighting its rejection of joint investigations, its dismissal of former US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate, and its continued snubbing of Pakistan’s efforts to initiate dialogue.
“India has refused at every turn. They refused to cooperate on counter-terrorism—you saw it. The Prime Minister of Pakistan offered an investigation; they said no. They refuse mediation. They refuse dialogue,” Bilawal said.
He warned that such unwillingness to engage diplomatically would only exacerbate tensions. “This path leads to more terrorism, more conflict, and no peace,” he said.
Unending hostilities
He further added that while the Indian leadership might be prepared to subject its population to unending hostilities, Pakistan would not reciprocate. “I refuse to condemn my people, and I refuse to condemn the people of India to this cycle of conflict.”
Bilawal stressed that the Pakistani delegation would continue its diplomatic tour “from capital to capital” with a clear and urgent message: “We want peace, and we need your help.”
He concluded by stating that the current Indian leadership belongs to an older generation, but their policies are in danger of condemning his generation to a legacy of unresolved tensions over Kashmir, terrorism, and now water resources.
