JAMMU: BJP spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta has strongly criticized Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for issuing what he termed as “irresponsible and provocative war threats” against India over the Indus waters issue, saying such statements are aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan’s deepening internal crises.
In a statement, Gupta said that Pakistan’s repeated sabre-rattling and attempts to blame India for its water woes expose the desperation of its leadership. He noted that Khawaja Asif’s remarks regarding possible military action over alleged disruptions in water supplies are baseless and reflect Islamabad’s frustration following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
Gupta asserted that India has made its position clear that normal engagement cannot continue while Pakistan continues to sponsor and shelter terrorism directed against India. He said the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was a direct consequence of Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terror infrastructure and not an arbitrary decision.
“Pakistan’s leadership is trying to create an external enemy to hide its own failures. The real reason behind the country’s worsening water crisis is decades of mismanagement, lack of infrastructure development, rampant corruption and failure to modernize its irrigation network,” Gupta said.
He pointed out that despite receiving the lion’s share of the Indus river system waters under the 1960 treaty, Pakistan has failed to efficiently manage its resources. Reports from Sindh and Balochistan indicate severe shortages, while irrigation canals across Sindh are facing major deficits, adversely impacting agriculture and livelihoods.
Gupta said Khawaja Asif’s allegations that India is “weaponising water” are an attempt to shift blame from Pakistan’s own governance failures. He added that even Pakistani officials have acknowledged the country’s inability to effectively manage its water resources and address growing demands.
The BJP leader further stated that instead of threatening India, Pakistan should focus on resolving its internal challenges, including water scarcity, economic instability and the growing dissatisfaction among its citizens.
“India is a responsible nation that adheres to international norms and agreements. However, national security remains paramount. Pakistan must understand that terrorism and dialogue cannot go together, nor can terrorism and treaties,” Gupta said.
He added that New Delhi’s actions are guided by national interest and security concerns, whereas Pakistan’s leadership continues to indulge in rhetoric designed for domestic political consumption.
Gupta also urged the international community to recognize Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy and its attempts to create tensions in the region through irresponsible statements.
“Threats and propaganda cannot conceal the truth. Pakistan’s biggest challenge today is not India, but the consequences of its own failed policies,” he added.
