A Pakistani minister has made comments about India that could anger Shahbaz Sharif. Minister Ehsan Iqbal issued a statement calling India an important country in South Asia.
Pakistan's Minister Ahsan Iqbal has expressed his views on India's role in South Asia.
Pakistan appears to be appreciating India's diplomatic initiatives. Pakistan's Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, has stated that India is located at the very center of South Asia, surrounding it with all other countries. Therefore, India's role in South Asia is crucial. This statement by Pakistani Minister Iqbal on Saturday clearly indicates that Pakistan's stance toward India is softening.
Iqbal said – India can use water as a weapon
Furthermore, Ahsan Iqbal has warned Islamabad to be cautious of India. He has challenged India's decision to withhold the Indus Water Treaty. He has stated that there is now a fear that India may use water as a weapon. He has urged that water supplies be stopped when crops are needed, and released when they are not.
Iqbal made this statement at an Asia Society event. He said that the agreement is an international agreement and cannot be changed. This time, India has unilaterally blocked it. This has created a new challenge.
India can weaponise water: Iqbal
Furthermore, he stated that for the first time in modern history, water is being weaponized. Now, we face the threat that India could use water as a weapon. They could deny water to Pakistan when it needs it for crops, or release it when it doesn't. He further stated that the dams we are building will therefore serve as a buffer. We are currently pursuing all diplomatic avenues on this issue.
What has Shahbaz Sharif said recently on this issue?
Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had said that if its access to water was threatened, Islamabad would respond directly. Pakistan wants peace, not war. But its desire for peace should not be taken as a weakness. Speaking to AP News, Shahbaz Sharif said, "Every drop of water is our red line. If India withholds water, Pakistan will respond. Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty will be met with a strong response." A military confrontation between Pakistan and India took place in May 2025. Following the Pahalgam attack, India targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan.
