All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over his recent remarks threatening India regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Reacting to Sharif’s warning that “cannot snatch even a single drop of water” can be taken from Pakistan, Owaisi dismissed the comments as baseless and warned that India is prepared to respond firmly.

What did Shehbaz Sharif say about the Indus Waters Treaty?

On Tuesday, addressing an event in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif said any attempt by India to stop the flow of water into Pakistan would violate the Indus Waters Treaty and be met with a “decisive response.” He emphasised the vital importance of water to Pakistan and vowed that no compromise would be made on Pakistan’s water rights under international agreements.

Sharif said, “Enemy (India) can't snatch even a single drop of water from Pakistan...You threatened to stop our water. If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget.”

How did Owaisi respond?

Owaisi strongly rejected Sharif’s threats. Speaking to reporters, he said, “He should not talk such nonsense... Such threats will have no effect on India. Enough is enough.” Adding a sharp reminder of India’s defensive capabilities, he stated, “BrahMos hai humaare paas” (We have BrahMos missile), implying that India is fully equipped to deal with any provocation.

Why is the Indus Waters Treaty in focus?

Tensions over the treaty have escalated following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India, exercising its rights as a sovereign nation under international law, has placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism credibly and irrevocably.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 after nearly a decade of negotiations with World Bank mediation, divides the waters of six rivers between India and Pakistan. The Western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab are allocated to Pakistan, while the Eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej belong to India. The treaty permits limited use of each other’s waters: India receives about 20% of the total Indus River System water, with the rest allocated to Pakistan.