Pakistan Army Chief Rejects Indian Regional Dominance, Calls Water Treaty Suspension Red Line

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has issued strong statements rejecting any form of Indian dominance in South Asia while declaring the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as an unacceptable red line for his country. The military leader's remarks come in the aftermath of a recent ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following days of cross-border military confrontation.
Speaking during an educational forum with university vice-chancellors, principals, and senior educators, Munir emphasized Pakistan's unwavering stance against what he termed Indian hegemonic ambitions in the region. The army chief's comments were officially released through the Inter-Services Public Relations, Pakistan's military media wing.
Munir specifically addressed India's recent decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a water-sharing agreement that has governed river management between the two countries since 1960. He characterized this suspension as crossing a fundamental boundary that Pakistan would never accept, linking it directly to the survival and basic rights of Pakistan's 240 million citizens.
The treaty governs the distribution and management of six major rivers including the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. India's decision to suspend the agreement came after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam region, prompting India's Cabinet Committee on Security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take this unprecedented step.
India has historically not only shared water resources but also provided financial assistance to Pakistan for developing water infrastructure as part of the original treaty obligations. Anticipating Pakistan's response, New Delhi deployed seven diplomatic teams globally to explain and justify its position on the treaty suspension through what officials termed post-Operation Sindoor diplomacy.
The Pakistani army chief also addressed the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan province, where separatist rebels have intensified their campaign against Pakistani security forces. During the recent India-Pakistan military tensions, Baloch insurgents escalated their attacks, including six separate strikes against Pakistani forces in the provincial capital Quetta on a single day. The rebels also replaced Pakistani flags with their own in several areas.
Munir alleged that India was providing support to Baloch separatists, describing them as foreign-backed proxies rather than genuine local insurgents. He claimed these elements were acting on behalf of external interests, particularly India, and disputed their authentic Baloch identity.
The army chief made reference to what he described as divine assistance during Pakistan's recent military engagement with India. The conflict began when India launched Operation Sindoor in early May, conducting precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan responded with attempted strikes on Indian military installations over three consecutive days, prompting strong Indian retaliation before both nations agreed to a ceasefire.
The recent military confrontation and subsequent statements reflect the persistent tensions between the South Asian neighbors despite the ceasefire agreement. Both countries continue to engage in diplomatic and military posturing while addressing domestic security challenges and regional strategic concerns.
Munir's statements underscore Pakistan's determination to resist what it perceives as Indian regional dominance while highlighting critical issues like water rights and territorial disputes that continue to strain bilateral relations between the two nations.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

24 minutes ago

• Time of India

In meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, NSA Ajit Doval calls for countering terrorism

In an oblique reference to Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorist activities, NSA Ajit Doval on Monday emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for regional peace and stability during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Doval's call for countering terrorism comes nearly a month-and-a-half after India carried out precision strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistani territories early on May 7 in response to the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians. NSA Doval is visiting China to attend a conclave of top national security officials of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an influential regional grouping focused on security related issues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upgrade to Lifetime Office 365 (Discover Now) prime software Upgrade Undo Doval and Wang also deliberated on various aspects of India-China relations amid efforts by the two sides to rebuild the ties that came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border standoff . Both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations and underscored the need to promote the overall development of the ties, including by fostering greater people to people engagement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Live Events "The NSA also emphasized the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations to maintain overall peace and stability in the region," it said. The remarks are also seen as an indirect message to China to put pressure on its all-weather ally Pakistan to take action against terror outfits operating from its soil. Wang noted that China-India relations have made some positive progress and it is essential that both sides further enhance communication, build mutual trust, and work toward resolving practical issues, according to Chinese envoy to India Xu Feihong. "Only when the dragon and elephant dance together can there be a win-win outcome. China and India should properly handle sensitive issues and maintain peace and tranquillity in the border regions," Xu said in a social media post. "Doval said that India is willing to strengthen collaboration with China in multilateral fields and fully supports China's role as the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in hosting a successful summit," the envoy said. "As two major Asian nations, India and China can make even greater contributions to the international community," he added. The MEA said Doval and Wang also exchanged views on other bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. "The NSA noted that he looked forward to meeting with Wang Yi in India at a mutually convenient date for the 24th round of the Special Representative (SR) talks," it said. China is hosting the SCO conclave in its capacity as the current chair of the grouping. The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe downturn in ties between the two neighbours. The face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21 last year. In December, NSA Doval visited Beijing and held talks with Wang under the framework of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary dispute. The decision to revive the SR mechanism and other such dialogue formats was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan on October 23. The Modi-Xi meeting came two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok.

Time of India

24 minutes ago

• Time of India

'Operation Sindoor achieved all objectives': Defence minister Rajnath Singh praises armed forces; unveils President Murmu's book

Defence minister Rajnath Singh addresses the gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan Complex (ANI) Defence minister Rajnath Singh had said on Monday that Operation Sindoor had succeeded in 'injecting fear' in the minds of terrorists and had achieved all its objectives. He was speaking at an event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Complex. He asserted that under the leadership of the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, Indian soldiers carried out Operation Sindoor and were successful in achieving all its objectives. In the event, Singh unveiled a curated collection of 51 speeches delivered by President Draupadi Murmu and stressed that it would become a 'karma granth' of the 'Viksit Bharat' vision. The book is titled 'Wings to Our Hopes-Volume II' and its Hindi version 'Ashaon Ki Udaan-Khand 2', along with an e-version, were released by the defence minister. The ministry of information and broadcasting said in a statement on Sunday that the 51 speeches reflect President Murmu's vision, philosophy, and key priorities during her second year in office from August 2023 to July 2024. "The book will become a guiding light to build Viksit Bharat with progressive thoughts while preserving our glorious heritage. President Droupadi Murmu knows the importance of diversity in our country and recognises the pain of the deprived. This book proclaims the spirit of equality," Singh said. The defence minister remarked that the book brings together President Murmu's insights and ideas across a wide range of subjects, from civilisation and culture to religion, science, art, literature, education, health, and the journey from past to future. Singh asserted on President Murmu being the best example of women-led development in India. On Saturday, Singh had said that Operation Sindoor was not over yet, and that India was ready to take 'all kinds of action against terrorism' while addressing troops of the Army's Udhampur-based Northern Command on the 11th International Yoga Day. Singh had warned that the military action in Pakistan, a retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, was a clear message that it would face the consequences for supporting terror activities against India.

Hindustan Times

25 minutes ago

• Hindustan Times

Indian embassy in Qatar urges caution after Iran's missile attack on US base

Jun 23, 2025 11:48 PM IST Indian embassy in Qatar on Monday urged Indians to be cautious after Iran carried out a "devastating and powerful" missile attack on the Al Udeid US airbase in Qatar on Monday, June 23. An interception takes place after Iran's armed forces say they targeted The Al-Udeid base in a missile attack, in Qatar.(REUTERS) The strikes, which were successfully intercepted, came as an act of retaliation to the ones carried out earlier by US, that hit Iranian nuclear sites on the weekend. Follow Iran Israel conflict live updates 'Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions and guidance provides by Qatari authorities,' the embassy posted on its official X handle. The defense ministry reaffirmed that the skies and territory of the State of Qatar are safe, and that the country's armed forces are always in a state of readiness to deal with any threat. Qatar has reported no deaths or injuries in the Iranian strikes. Iran had informed the US in advance about the attacks via two diplomatic channels, Reuters reported, citing a senior regional source. Qatar's Ministry of Defense also advised citizens and residents to follow guidance and updates from official sources only, in its official statement.