Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country will not hesitate to take military action if its water security is threatened. In an interview with ARY News, he said the issue of water distribution from the Indus River is directly linked to national security. Asif stated that if Pakistan’s rights over the Indus basin are undermined, Islamabad will respond accordingly, even considering war with India if national security is perceived to be at risk.

The warning comes amid renewed tensions between India and Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty. Recently, India’s Water Resources Minister C. R. Patil suggested that India could gain the capacity to significantly limit the Indus River’s flow to Pakistan by 2028, sparking widespread debate on social media. Relations between the two countries deteriorated after a deadly attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants and suspended the 1960 treaty, saying it would not be reinstated until cross-border terrorism was curbed.

Pakistan continues to oppose India’s decision, arguing that any disruption to the river flow would severely affect millions dependent on the Indus for agriculture and livelihoods.