Pakistan’s Defense Minister Admits to Terror Links, Threatens India Over Indus River Projects
In a startling and revealing statement, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently admitted on international media that Pakistan is involved in spreading terrorism—particularly as a tool of Western interests. However, what shook many geopolitical analysts was his aggressive warning towards India regarding the Indus River.
Khawaja Asif openly declared that Pakistan would strike any structure India attempts to build on the Indus River—be it a dam, reservoir, or hydroelectric project. The nature of the strike was left ambiguous—whether it would be through military airstrikes or proxy terrorist attacks. But the intent was clear: Pakistan considers Indian activity on the Indus as an act of war.
This short clip may seem minor to some, but it holds enormous implications for India’s national security. It indicates a future strategy where Pakistan may try to target India’s water infrastructure. Asif claimed that if India restricts Pakistan’s water share, the country would face devastating drought and famine, which would justify a first strike—even before any actual dam construction takes place.
Why is Pakistan so Nervous About the Indus River?
The Indus originates in Tibet, flows through Ladakh, enters Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and then into Pakistan’s heartland. Along with Jhelum and Chenab, these rivers are lifelines for Pakistan’s agriculture and survival.
Under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India allowed Pakistan control over the majority of water from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India retained control over Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. However, even under the treaty, India had the right to construct hydroelectric projects on its side—and has indeed built dams like Baglihar on Chenab and Kishanganga on Jhelum.
Recent reports indicate that India has begun reducing the water flow from the Baglihar Dam and is likely to do the same from Kishanganga soon. While India hasn’t yet interfered with the Indus itself, Pakistan fears it could be next—especially as the Indus Waters Treaty has now effectively been suspended.
Can India Stop All Water Flow to Pakistan?
Technically, stopping all water is extremely difficult, almost impossible in the short term. To do so would require constructing around 22 massive dams, similar to the Bhakra Nangal Dam, across all six rivers. Even to block half the water flow, India would still need to build 10 to 11 large dams across Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
If this were achieved, Pakistan would face catastrophic water shortages, leading to famine-like conditions. Although the country may not collapse entirely, its economy, lifestyle, and food security would be shattered.
Even a 10–20% reduction in water flow could devastate Pakistan, given its heavy reliance on river water for agriculture and drinking needs.
What Should India Do?
Since Pakistan has openly threatened India’s hydro projects and admitted to its reliance on terrorism, India must adopt a clear and bold policy. If any country attacks our dams, the response must be immediate and overwhelming—even considering nuclear retaliation. An attack on a dam can cause massive floods, kill civilians on both sides, and be treated as a crime against humanity.
India also needs to urgently invest in missile defense systems. With cooperation from countries like Israel or the U.S., India must develop a Kashmir-Ladakh missile shield to protect critical dam infrastructure. This system should be capable of intercepting missiles or fighter jets targeting these facilities.
Even if a limited attack does occur, India must ensure the damage remains controllable and repairable. Strategic resilience, backed by a defined military doctrine, is the need of the hour.
The Bigger Picture: Water Security and National Interest
With rising population projections—possibly reaching 1.6 to 1.7 billion—and increasing agricultural demands, India will need to divert water from the north to other regions. Northern rivers are experiencing water shortages, and redirecting flow from Indus-related rivers could become essential in the future.
Hence, defending our water infrastructure is not only a matter of security but also of national survival.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s threats must not be ignored. India has already taken a big step by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. If renegotiation happens in the future, India should demand a greater share. If not, military and diplomatic strategies must be readied. As the water crisis deepens globally, tensions like these will only intensify.
Stay updated—more developments on this issue are expected soon.