Islamabad, August 27, 2025: Pakistan’s political and military leadership on Wednesday strongly condemned India’s unilateral release of excessive water into Pakistani rivers without prior intimation, terming it an act of “water aggression” that has worsened the ongoing flood crisis in Punjab and other regions.
In an official statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said India’s sudden opening of spillways and release of water from its eastern rivers’ dams had compounded the flood emergency, endangering lives and livelihoods across Pakistan. “This irresponsible and hostile act has aggravated the already critical situation caused by record monsoon rains,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is scheduled to visit flood-hit areas tomorrow, directed authorities to accelerate rescue and relief efforts. He said Pakistan reserves the right to raise the matter at all relevant international forums. “India’s reckless actions violate international norms of riparian responsibility and humanitarian considerations,” the premier noted.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the move, announcing that Pakistan would formally register its protest with New Delhi through diplomatic channels. “Unannounced water releases during peak monsoon not only violate the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty but also endanger millions of lives downstream,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq termed India’s actions “a blatant violation of humanitarian principles and neighbourly conduct,” stressing that Parliament would stand united in raising the issue at every forum. “The reckless release of water is not just an act against Pakistan but against humanity. Parliament will not remain silent,” he declared.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal also lashed out at India, saying that weaponising water at a time of natural disaster showed “New Delhi’s irresponsible behaviour as a state.” He warned that such actions would further destabilise the region. “Floods are a test of our resilience, and Pakistan will overcome this crisis, but India’s conduct has exposed its disregard for international obligations and human lives,” he added.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) earlier confirmed that floodwaters released by India had entered Pakistan through the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers, sharply increasing pressure at several barrages including Khanki, Qadirabad and Shahdara.
Military leadership also expressed concern, with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stating that the Pakistan Army is fully mobilised to assist civil administration in relief and evacuation operations. “Despite India’s hostile approach, Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to safeguarding its people in this time of national crisis,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, leaders of major political parties echoed the government’s stance, urging the international community to take notice of India’s actions. They stressed that deliberate water releases at a time of natural disaster amount to “weaponisation of water” and pose a serious humanitarian challenge.
