ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Senator Rana Sanaullah has warned that any attempt by India to block Pakistan’s share of water will be considered an act of war, adding that the Baglihar Dam could be targeted if New Delhi tries to use water as a weapon.
Speaking to Samaa TV, the PM’s advisor said, “India blocking Pakistan’s water will be considered a war, and the Baglihar Dam can be targeted for trying to block water.” He stressed the need to build water reservoirs at three to four locations across the country. “If India releases water, we will store it. If it stops, we will use it,” he explained, noting that the strategy for constructing reservoirs is already developed in coordination with WAPDA.
Sanaullah revealed that he and his team have also met the President to discuss the issue. He underlined that provinces, particularly Sindh and Punjab, must reach a consensus on building reservoirs. A proposal exists to construct reservoirs on the Chenab River. However, when the idea of building reservoirs in Punjab was floated, Sindh expressed concerns.
“India will not be able to use water as a weapon if the reservoirs are built,” Sanaullah asserted. He called for taking the water issue to international forums. The President, he said, believes that those in Sindh who have misunderstandings should be engaged in dialogue among themselves. He acknowledged that the Sindh government still harbours reservations.
Reflecting on past missed opportunities, Sanaullah lamented that the Kalabagh Dam was not built when it could have been. “The Kalabagh Dam is important, but not more than Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan stands by China in difficult times.
The Senator further declared that Pakistan should “expose India’s face to the world.” On the eastern front, he confirmed that the ceasefire along the Line of Control remains intact. Regarding regional maritime security, he noted that Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the blockade was imposed by the US. Separately, Pakistan is trying to broker a permanent ceasefire between the parties, and some progress may occur before the US President’s visit to China
