'Will Cut Off Those Hands': Pakistan Minister Threatens India Over Indus Waters

Islamabad: India's indefinite suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following the Pahalgam terrorist attack has led to a severe water crisis and panic in Pakistan. This panic has led to a daily outcry from Pakistan, with Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik declaring that Islamabad would "cut off those hands" that sought to claim Islamabad's share under the IWT. 

What did the Pakistan say?

While addressing a joint press conference, Musadik Malik accused India of trying to control its water supply and warned of consequences if Islamabad's water rights were threatened.

"There is a tap being controlled by the prime minister of a neighbouring country. He says he will not let even a drop of water flow into Pakistan," Malik said.

During the conference with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan's Climate Change Minister, Musadik Malik, declared that Islamabad would "cut off the hands" of those who attempt to claim Pakistan's share under the Indus Water Treaty. 

"We well cut off those hands who lay claim to our share of water."

What did Attaullah Tarar say?

In the joint press conference, Attaullah Tarar stated that the Indus Water Treaty remains legally in force. According to him, India cannot interfere with it, nor can it consider unilaterally suspending it.

In this regard, Pakistani ministers announced that the first international seminar on the Indus Water Treaty will be held in Islamabad on Tuesday. Legal experts, water experts, and foreign delegates will participate. The seminar will also discuss important legal and technical aspects of the treaty. 

According to the reports, Information Minister Tarar stated that Pakistan's rights are protected under international law. Explaining the reason, he said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have already made it clear several times that water is our lifeline and it is also our red line. 

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The Indus Water Treaty is an agreement signed between Pakistan and India in 1960. It was brokered by the World Bank. It covers six rivers: the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Under the treaty, Pakistan and India agreed to share the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries. The agreement stipulated mutual agreements on how much water each country would receive and how it would be used. This agreement has been the basis for water sharing between the two countries since 1960. However, after the Pahalgam tourist attack, India decided to stop the flow of water to Pakistan. This agreement remains in effect, leading to ongoing debate.