Pakistan Defence Minister warns India it would strike any structure built on Indus River in violation of Treaty

Pakistan's Defence Minister warns India against building on Indus River, threatens to strike in violation of treaty.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned India that it would strike any structure that is built on the Indus River in “violation of the Indus Waters Treaty”, which was held in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Ties between the two neighbouring countries plummeted following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

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India, among other punitive actions, announced the suspension of the 1960 accord, which governs water sharing between the two countries.

Speaking on a Geo News programme on Friday, the Defence Minister said, “Certainly, if they attempt to build any kind of structure, we will strike it.” Mr. Asif said that building any structure on the Indus River would be seen as “Indian aggression” against Pakistan.

“Aggression is not just about firing cannons or bullets; it has many faces. One of those faces is [blocking or diverting water], which could lead to deaths due to hunger and thirst,” he added.

The Defence Minister said, “If they make any architectural attempt, then Pakistan will destroy that structure.