'Blocking Pakistan’s water supply equivalent to triggering nuclear water war'

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Saturday that India’s attempts to block Pakistan’s water supply amount to laying the foundation for a “nuclear water war.”

Addressing the Middle East Institute in Washington, Bhutto-Zardari said: “We have previously made it clear that halting the flow of water to Pakistan would be tantamount to a declaration of war. This is not an emotional or provocative statement — it is a serious position based on reality.”

He emphasised that Pakistan is resolute in safeguarding its water rights and will not, under any circumstances, tolerate violations of the Indus Waters Treaty or the obstruction of water flow by India.

– Pakistan ready to engage in dialogue with India: Bilawal –

Separately, Bhutto-Zardari said today that Pakistan desires peace and is ready to engage in dialogue with India on all matters.

Speaking to media in Washington, Bhutto-Zardari said: "Terrorism has no religion or nationality and that Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by terrorism." He acknowledged the role played by United States President Donald Trump in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India.

He emphasised that no country can unilaterally invalidate the Indus Waters Treaty. Bhutto-Zardari criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continuous threatening behaviour.

He said: "During the Pakistan-India tensions, the Indian media consistently spread falsehoods, while Pakistan received support from friendly countries."

He said that 20 Indian aircraft targeted Pakistan, but Pakistani forces exercised restraint and successfully shot down six Indian planes.

The former foreign minister added that India took a month to acknowledge the loss of its aircraft.

Bhutto-Zardari accused India of using water as a "weapon" and called the attempt to block water for 240million Pakistanis a "blatant wound".