Indus Water Suspension: Pakistan’s Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, has issued a stark threat to India, claiming that Pakistan’s missile arsenal, including Ghori, Shaheen, and Ghaznavi missiles, along with 130 nuclear warheads, is specifically targeted at India. His comments come in response to India’s recent actions, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nuclear threats in response to water suspension

Abbasi’s fiery statement followed India’s countermeasures in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. He warned India that any attempt to halt Pakistan’s water supply, as stipulated under the Indus Waters Treaty, would lead to a “full-scale war.” 

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Abbasi made it clear that Pakistan’s military arsenal is ready for use, and the country’s nuclear weapons are strategically placed across its territory. “If they stop the water supply to us, they should prepare for war,” Abbasi said, emphasising that Pakistan’s missiles are “not for display.”

Abbasi also took aim at India’s security measures, mocking India’s actions and insinuating that they would face severe consequences. He underscored that Pakistan’s military equipment, including ballistic missiles, is meant for India and highlighted the country’s readiness to respond to any aggressive moves from its neighbor. “Nobody knows where we have placed our nuclear weapons across the country,” he added.

Allegations against India

In his speech, Abbasi accused India of falsely blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack to gain international sympathy. Abbasi also referred to the 2019 Pulwama attack as a politically motivated event, claiming it was staged to influence the outcome of India’s Lok Sabha elections that year.

Impact of diplomatic tensions

This escalation in rhetoric follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, marked by India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and punitive measures against Pakistani nationals. Abbasi also claimed that India’s shifting of blame towards Pakistan was an attempt to distract from its internal security flaws. The Pakistani military’s unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and India’s effective response further heighten the sense of instability between the two countries.

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With the diplomatic standoff intensifying, Abbasi hinted that Pakistan had already begun preparing for possible economic consequences following India’s suspension of trade and water supply.