Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday that any attempt to weaken or sabotage an international agreement on river waters could carry a heavy price.
Addressing an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, he said Pakistan would continue efforts for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
Dar stated that Pakistan would keep pursuing its legitimate and legal rights through diplomatic channels. He added that unilateral steps taken by any party were not acceptable to Pakistan. He said the basic purpose of the United Nations Security Council was the maintenance of global peace and security.
Speaking at the Indus Waters Treaty seminar, DPM Ishaq Dar says IWT between India and Pakistan could not be unilaterally revoked, stressing that the people of Pakistan have a right to Indus waters.@MIshaqDar50 #IndusWatersTreaty #WaterSecurity #Islamabad #IWT2026 #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/yK9I2JOH0b
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 30, 2026
The foreign minister stated that Pakistan’s foreign policy is based on respect, equality and peace with all countries.
He said Pakistan had consistently sought de-escalation and encouraged dialogue in times of tension. Dar added that Pakistan had always played a positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
He said the decision on the matter had been taken with national unity, and Pakistan remained committed to the protection of its water rights.
Dar warned that any attempt to divert, block or reduce the flow of water would be considered a hostile act. He noted that, following developments concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, a meeting of the National Security Committee was held.
Dar said Pakistan would protect its rights and interests under international law and through diplomatic means. He added that illegal occupation or infringement upon legitimate water resources would not be accepted. Dar said the path to peace lay not in force or threats, but in the settlement of all outstanding disputes.
Dar emphasis international law respect
He reiterated respect for international law and adherence to agreements as essential principles. Dar said Pakistan remained steadfast in its commitment to peace, negotiation and good neighbourly relations. Dar stated that the purpose of such agreements was to ensure fair and equitable use of available water resources.
He noted that the Indus Waters Treaty had been concluded after several years of negotiations. Dar said South Asia already faced multiple shared challenges, and added that India should not endanger regional peace and stability.
Dar cautions regional instability
He cautioned against actions that could sow conflict in the region. Dar said river waters were a key national and security concern for Pakistan. He added that agriculture, food security, energy and economic growth depend heavily on the flow of the three western rivers.
Dar warned that deprivation of water rights would have serious consequences. He said lasting peace could only be achieved through honest implementation of international obligations.
Dar added that durable peace depended on mutual respect and state sovereignty. He stated that adherence to the rule of law was essential for global peace and stability. Dar warned that violation of agreements undermined trust and cooperation between states.
He said breach of treaties damaged the credibility of countries involved. Dar added that the impact of such violations would not remain limited to two states alone.
