Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Warns India of War
Speaking on Pakistan's private news channel Geo News in the program 'Naya Pakistan', Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated,
“If India violates the Indus Waters Treaty and builds any structure to stop or divert the flow of water, it will be considered an act of aggression against Pakistan, and we will destroy that structure.”
He further added:
“Violating the Indus Waters Treaty is not easy; it will be considered a declaration of war against Pakistan. An attack is not limited to artillery or gunfire—it has many forms, and this is one of them. It could lead to people dying of hunger or thirst.”
Earlier, on April 22, 26 people were killed in an attack in Pahalgam. Following the incident, India took several strict measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Before this, former Pakistani Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, while addressing a rally in Sukkur, Sindh, said:
“Either our water will flow from the Indus River, or their blood will.”
His statement drew sharp criticism from Indian leaders including Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Water Resources Minister at the time).
However, in a BBC interview, Bilawal Bhutto clarified his remarks, saying he was merely echoing the sentiments of the "common Pakistani people."
In the Geo News program, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated,
“At present, Pakistan is raising the issue of India’s unilateral violation of the Indus Waters Treaty on multiple platforms.”
He also mentioned that India had not provided any evidence regarding the Pahalgam incident.
In response to a question about tensions and the threat of war between the two countries, he said,
“It cannot be said that the threat of war is over or has reduced—India had responded 12 days after the 2019 incident as well.”
On February 14, 2019, more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack on a convoy.
Pakistan’s Attempt to Increase Pressure on India
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is meeting with several foreign dignitaries.
He has urged countries including Saudi Arabia to help de-escalate tensions in the region and to put pressure on India.
In light of the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Shehbaz Sharif presented Pakistan's position on the current law and order situation in South Asia, stating:
“Pakistan condemns terrorism wherever it occurs.”
He added:
“Pakistan itself has been the biggest victim of terrorism.”
According to him, more than 90,000 people have died in Pakistan's fight against terrorism over the past few years, and the country has suffered economic losses of over $152 billion.
In the Geo News program, Defence Minister Asif reiterated that Pakistan is raising the issue of India's unilateral violations of the Indus Treaty on various platforms.
He noted that India has not provided any proof linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, speaking on Fox News, described Pakistan as "somewhat responsible" for the Pahalgam attack and expressed hope for cooperation with India.
When asked about Vance's remarks, Asif said:
“He (JD Vance) has left India room to save face so that if it wants to take action, it can do so.”
He added:
“This might be his personal statement, as policy statements come from the White House.”
During the Pahalgam attack, Vance was on a visit to India with his wife Usha Vance and their children, and he expressed condolences for those killed in the attack.
Actions by India and Pakistan
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a phone call with the U.S. Defence Secretary.
In response to India’s strict actions after the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan also took several steps, including banning India from using its airspace.
Additionally, Pakistan announced the suspension of the 1972 Shimla Agreement.
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) banned the broadcast of Indian songs on Pakistani FM radio.
Social media accounts of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were also blocked in India, including his official YouTube channel and Instagram.
Accounts of Pakistani cricketers and actors were also blocked on Instagram in India.
Shimla Agreement (1972)
🔷 Background:
- After the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh and the surrender of around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, a peace agreement was signed to restore bilateral relations.
🔷 Date and Place:
- Date: July 2, 1972
- Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Signatories:
- Indian Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi
- Pakistani President: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
🔷 Key Provisions:
- Bilateral Dialogue:
- India and Pakistan would resolve all disputes bilaterally.
- Mediation by third parties was rejected.
- Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity:
- Both countries agreed to respect each other's sovereignty and borders.
- Peace and Friendship:
- Both sides committed to avoiding future conflicts or wars.
- Line of Control (LoC):
- The ceasefire line was recognized as the Line of Control.
- It would not be altered without mutual agreement.
- Release of Prisoners of War (POWs):
- India agreed to release 93,000 Pakistani POWs.
🔷 Criticism:
- It failed to provide a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.
- India did not fully leverage its strategic gains (like POWs and territorial control) from the 1971 war.
- Pakistan later violated the spirit of the agreement, e.g., during the 1999 Kargil War.
UPSC Mains Model Answer
Question (GS-2, 10 marks):
"The Shimla Agreement (1972) was a significant step towards peace in India-Pakistan relations, but it failed to become a long-term solution. Discuss."
Answer Outline:
- Introduction: The Shimla Agreement was signed after the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh.
- Main Points: It emphasized bilateral talks, delineation of LoC, and the release of POWs.
- Positive Outcomes: Ceasefire enforcement, initiation of dialogue.
- Limitations: Kashmir issue remained unresolved, later violations like Kargil.
- Conclusion: It was a constructive diplomatic move, but needed stronger follow-up strategy to ensure lasting peace.
5 UPSC-Level MCQs
1. Consider the following provisions of the Shimla Agreement (1972):
- The Kashmir issue will be taken to the UN.
- India and Pakistan agreed to resolve all issues bilaterally.
- Agreement on the release of POWs.
Select the correct statements:
A) Only 2 and 3
B) Only 1 and 2
C) Only 1 and 3
D) All 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: A) Only 2 and 3
2. When was the Shimla Agreement signed between India and Pakistan?
A) 1948
B) 1965
C) 1972
D) 1999
✅ Answer: C) 1972
3. Match the following correctly:
|
Column A
|
Column B
|
|
1. Indira Gandhi
|
A. President of Pakistan
|
|
2. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
|
B. Prime Minister of India
|
|
3. Shimla Agreement
|
C. 2 July 1972
|
Correct Match:
A) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
✅ Answer: A) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C
4. Assertion – Reason Type
Assertion (A): The Shimla Agreement made Indo-Pak issues bilateral, excluding international forums.
Reason (R): The agreement stated that all disputes would be settled through bilateral dialogue.
Select the correct option:
A) Both A and R are correct, and R explains A.
B) Both A and R are correct, but R does not explain A.
C) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
D) A is incorrect, but R is correct.
✅ Answer: A)
5. Fact-Based Question:
Under the Shimla Agreement, which line was designated as the Line of Control (LoC)?
A) Radcliffe Line
B) McMahon Line
C) Ceasefire Line
D) Durand Line
✅ Answer: C) Ceasefire Line
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