Pakistan Will Go to War If India Violates Indus Waters Treaty: Bilawal Bhutto

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that Pakistan would go to war if India refuses to honor the Indus Waters Treaty. Addressing the National Assembly during the budget debate, Bilawal strongly condemned alleged U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, saying such actions based on false pretenses could have endangered the entire region, including Pakistan.
“Israel attacked Iran based on lies, and we condemn this act. Scientists and journalists were also targeted. Yesterday, the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities—we strongly oppose this aggression,” Bilawal said.
He emphasized that the region has witnessed a wave of violence, from Palestine to Yemen, and now Iran. “There is a cheap copy of Netanyahu operating in our region, and we have defeated that copy in diplomacy, in conflict, and in narrative.”
Referring to past leadership, he criticized a former prime minister’s passive stance towards India, stating, “When Kashmir was under attack, Pakistan did not back down this time. The previous government merely renamed roads, while this government shot down six Indian aircraft.”
Bilawal asserted that under the PPP’s influence, Kashmir has once again become an international issue rather than an internal matter for India. “India now has two options: accept the Indus Waters Treaty, or face war. India has already lost; Pakistan has won,” he declared.
He also addressed efforts to destabilize Pakistan on the international front. “India and the Israeli lobby tried to tarnish Pakistan’s image and push it back to the FATF grey list, but they failed. Pakistan won on every front, including at the United Nations,” he said.
Stressing the need for peace, Bilawal stated, “The benefit of both Indian and Pakistani people lies in peace. We are also advocating for the rights of Indian citizens. Peace must be established between both nations.”
He expressed support for the current government’s budget, including a 20% increase in defense spending. “India refuses to even call the current situation a ceasefire; in such circumstances, Pakistan must prepare for war.”
Bilawal also praised the increase in funding for the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and thanked the Prime Minister and his team. He urged a reduction in the non-combat budget but acknowledged that extraordinary times require extraordinary decisions.
Highlighting issues like electricity load shedding and solar tax policies, he noted that, after PPP’s consultation, the tax on solar equipment was reduced to 10%. “We are not part of the cabinet, but we represent the nation.”
He emphasized the opposition’s right to criticize and proposed that they bring constructive suggestions. “Their only demand seems to be the release of one prisoner, while the rest of the nation’s concerns are ignored.”
Bilawal concluded by urging the government to protest and challenge India’s latest moves, supporting the allocation of funds for non-controversial dam projects.