FO terms Indian minister's remarks on blocking water 'irresponsible', warns of 'far-reaching consequences'

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday described remarks by an Indian minister about restricting water flows to Pakistan as “deeply irresponsible” and issued a strong warning that any intentional effort to obstruct Pakistan’s water resources would be considered an extremely serious move with severe and wide-reaching implications.

“Any deliberate attempt to block water essential to Pakistan's survival and development would constitute an extremely grave act with far-reaching consequences,” the FO spokesperson said at g his weekly media interaction in Islamabad.

Andrabi added that Pakistan would take every necessary step to defend its economic stability, safeguard its core national interests, and protect the lives and wellbeing of its 250 million people.

He also urged India to act with responsibility, respect its international commitments, and avoid statements or actions that could further intensify regional tensions.

Discussing Kashmir, he pointed to a clear difference between Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying that IIOJK remains a disputed and illegally occupied region where residents have faced prolonged systemic violations under strict laws and continue to be deprived of their basic rights, including the right to self-determination.

In contrast, he noted that governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir operates within a constitutional and democratic structure aimed at addressing public concerns.

Commenting on a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), he said the findings were consistent with Pakistan’s longstanding concerns about India’s growing strategic and military advancements, including developments in canisterised systems, sea-based capabilities, and long-range intercontinental missile technology.

He stressed that Pakistan has no desire to enter an arms competition or engage in numerical escalation of weaponry, but remains alert to changes in the regional security environment and will continue to take necessary measures to preserve strategic balance and deter any possible aggression.

On the situation in the Middle East, he stated that Pakistan continues to hold hope for peace and remains committed to diplomatic engagement, maintaining cautious optimism despite the recent escalation and reduced space for diplomacy due to renewed hostilities in the region.