Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has issued a strong statement asserting that water rights and the Kashmir dispute represent “red lines” for the country, with no room for compromise. His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and escalating rhetoric between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Speaking at the National Defence University in Islamabad, Munir emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic interests—particularly access to vital water resources and its claim over the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir—will be safeguarded at all costs. “We will never compromise on water rights or the Kashmir cause,” Munir stated. “These are not just policy issues—they are matters of national survival and dignity.”
Munir’s remarks followed recent statements by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reaffirmed that India will retain control over water flows allocated under the Indus Waters Treaty. Modi had emphasized that India will not allow Pakistan to use water from rivers India has rights over, according to the 1960 agreement.
Reacting strongly, Munir accused India of “weaponizing water” and warned of potential consequences. He reiterated that Pakistan will not tolerate any violation of the treaty or actions that could threaten the country’s agriculture and economy. He also highlighted that India’s actions in Kashmir and attempts to unilaterally change the region’s status remain unacceptable to Pakistan.
The army chief noted that the Pakistani military remains fully alert and prepared to respond to any form of aggression. He also stressed that the armed forces will continue supporting diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice for the people of Kashmir, whom he described as “oppressed and occupied.”
Munir’s comments were echoed by political leaders and analysts, who described them as a timely reaffirmation of Pakistan’s core interests. Several lawmakers praised the military’s position, saying that a unified national stance is needed to resist Indian pressure and provocations.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a separate statement reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty and its rights under international law. It also called on the international community to play a constructive role in preventing the escalation of tensions in South Asia.
The statement added that Pakistan views India’s recent moves on water and Kashmir as attempts to destabilize regional peace. It warned that such provocations could have serious repercussions if not addressed through dialogue and adherence to international agreements.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have remained high, particularly following India’s abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which removed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, diplomatic relations have deteriorated, and both sides have hardened their positions on issues including cross-border water rights and security cooperation.
Field Marshal Munir’s reaffirmation of Pakistan’s red lines reflects the growing urgency within the Pakistani establishment to counter what it sees as a series of strategic threats posed by India. The situation remains volatile, with little sign of de-escalation, as both nations continue to assert their positions forcefully on key national issues.
Source; The Nation
