ISLAMABAD – June 24, 2025: Former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a stark warning to India during a fiery speech in the National Assembly on Monday, urging New Delhi to respect the Indus Waters Treaty — or face serious consequences.
“If India tries to block Pakistan’s water, we won’t stay silent. We’ll fight back — not just through weapons, but by building our own dams and canals. That will be our war,” Bilawal declared during the ongoing budget debate.
Calling India’s reported suspension of the treaty “illegal and a violation of international law,” he stressed that any interference with Pakistan’s water rights would be considered an act of aggression. “Our forces have stood firm against India before — and we’ll do it again if we have to,” he warned.
Bilawal didn’t hold back in criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi either, accusing him of promoting hostility while Pakistan continues to push for peace. “Half of the terrorist incidents in Pakistan are linked to India, yet we don’t respond to each one with war. We could — but we choose not to,” he said.
He urged both nations to move beyond the current ceasefire and work toward lasting peace. “We want peace not only for Pakistan but also for the people of India. This region can’t afford endless hostility,” he said, while noting that sustainable peace would benefit both sides.
Referring to past confrontations, Bilawal contrasted the current government’s response to India with that of the previous PTI-led administration. “When Kashmir was attacked in 2019, the then prime minister asked, ‘Should I go to war?’ — and that was it. Today, we’re taking action to defend our airspace and counter India’s narrative,” he said, highlighting Pakistan’s military response after the Balakot strikes.
He also pointed out that India’s long-standing claim that Kashmir is an “internal matter” has been effectively challenged on the global stage, thanks to what he described as “stronger diplomatic efforts” by the current leadership.
Condemns Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Shifting focus to the Middle East, Bilawal condemned recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities — allegedly carried out by the U.S. and Israel — calling them a violation of Iranian sovereignty.
“These attacks are unjustified and dangerous. Scientists were killed in their homes. Nuclear sites were bombed. This is a threat not just to Iran but to the entire region — including Pakistan,” he warned.
He compared the situation to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, saying the world must not allow another war based on false pretenses. “Today it’s Iran. Yesterday it was Yemen and Lebanon. If we stay silent now, who will speak for us tomorrow?” he questioned.
Bilawal also reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause, condemning what he described as Israel’s ongoing “genocidal” campaign. “We must demand accountability from the Israeli regime. Enough is enough,” he said.
Backs Defence Budget Amid Security Concerns
On the domestic front, the PPP chairman voiced his party’s support for the 2024–25 federal budget, particularly the 20% increase in defence spending.
“We need to be prepared for all scenarios. Given the regional situation, this increase is justified,” he said, while thanking the Prime Minister and Finance Minister for including the PPP in budget consultations.
Though he welcomed the budget overall, Bilawal expressed disappointment that the demand to allocate 30% of Punjab’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds to South Punjab was not met. However, he noted that the finance minister had agreed to review the issue next year.
He also called for greater federal support for provinces hit hardest by terrorism — especially Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “India is actively supporting terrorism in these areas. Our response must be strategic — by investing in strong institutions and a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy,” he concluded.
