Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that any conflict between Pakistan and India could escalate into a nuclear war.
In an interview with British news outlet Sky News, Bilawal emphasised that Pakistan’s armed forces, including the air force, land forces, and navy, are fully capable of responding decisively to any aggression from India.
Reflecting on past conflicts, Bilawal stressed that both countries have been at war before, but added that Pakistan does not seek to escalate the situation further.
He underscored the importance of preventing tensions from spiraling out of control, particularly as both countries possess nuclear weapons.
Call for international action
Bilawal also called on the international community to intervene and prevent any further escalation. He specifically urged for an independent and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident, a point of contention between the two nations. The PPP leader expressed concerns that if diplomatic efforts fail, the situation could easily devolve into full-scale warfare, warning that the region’s stability would be at severe risk.
“Given the volatile nature of relations between Pakistan and India, it is crucial that tensions be managed before they turn into something far worse,” he said.
Indus water dispute
The tension between Pakistan and India has also been exacerbated by the issue of the Indus Water Treaty. Speaking at a rally in Sukkur, Bilawal criticized India for threatening to suspend the treaty, which governs the distribution of water from the Indus River. Bilawal firmly asserted, “The Indus River is ours and will remain ours. If there is any attack on our water, there will be no question of a peaceful resolution. The question is whether our water will flow from the Indus or whether their blood will flow.”
He condemned India’s decision to unilaterally announce the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following allegations of terrorism in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. Bilawal accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using false allegations to distract from internal shortcomings, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
The PPP chairman made it clear that any unilateral actions regarding the Indus Water Treaty would not be accepted, both by Pakistan’s government and its people. “It is not possible for one side to suddenly decide to disregard an international treaty, and it will not be accepted on any level,” Bilawal stated, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on protecting its vital water resources.
