Water Is Pakistan’s Lifeline, Stronger Response Awaits India: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar declared on Thursday that water is the lifeline of the Pakistani people and any threat to it would be met with a response stronger than in the past. Addressing the Senate session, Dar strongly rejected India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and warned of firm countermeasures.
He emphasized that Pakistan has responded before and is prepared to deliver an even tougher reply now. “If anyone dares to eye our water resources maliciously, they will get a befitting response,” he said.
Condemning the killing of tourists in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, Dar criticized India’s immediate attempt to blame Pakistan without evidence. He revealed that the National Security Committee (NSC) had convened an emergency meeting in which it was decided that Pakistan would take two steps for every action India takes.
Rejecting India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar said this agreement is vital for Pakistan’s survival. As part of the countermeasures, he announced the immediate closure of the Wagah border and ordered all Indian nationals in Pakistan under the SAARC visa scheme to leave within 48 hours—excluding Sikh pilgrims, who will not be barred from visiting.
The Deputy Prime Minister also stated that the NSC has declared India’s move against the Indus Waters Treaty as an act of war, and in response, Pakistan would suspend all bilateral agreements with India. India’s cancellation of SAARC visas was also matched by Pakistan, except for Sikh religious visitors.
Prior to Dar’s address, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution condemning India’s aggressive actions, with support from all political parties, including the opposition. The resolution was presented by Deputy PM Dar and received unanimous approval from the upper house.