Latest news with #Bhutto
Memri
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Leader Bilawal Bhutto: 'India Has Two Options: Either Accept The Indus Waters Treaty, Or If It Refuses And Proceeds To Build Dams Or Canals [On Rivers Flowing Into Pakist
Pakistan's former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto, the son of President Asif Zardari and slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has threatened war against India if New Delhi does not honor the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India suspended the treaty following the April 22 Pakistan-backed terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam region in which male Hindu tourists were singled out and executed. After India's move, Pakistani leaders feared that the decision would desertify the regions situated along the Indus River.[1] Six rivers, two originating from Tibet, travel through Indian Kashmir, which is already a nuclear flashpoint between the two countries, into Pakistan. For decades, Pakistani intellectuals and journalists have expressed concern over the possibility of India terminating the agreement, especially after India signaled its intention to build mini-dams and tributaries on the Indian side of several rivers flowing from Tibet and Kashmir into Pakistan. In 2009, a senior editor warned India of the possibility of nuclear war over the issue, stating: "If, in order to resolve our (water and other) problems, we have to wage nuclear war with India, we will."[2] Graphics courtesy: Bhutto: "India Has Two Options: Either Accept The Sindh Taas Agreement [Indus Waters Treaty], Or... Pakistan Will Go To War" On June 24, Urdu daily Roznama Ummat published a report titled "Pakistan Will Go To War If Indus Waters Treaty Is Not Honored: Bilawal."[3] The water-sharing issue with India is significant for Bhutto, whose PPP party draws its popular support in Sindh province, the major beneficiary of water from the Indus River. According to the report, Bhutto stated: "India has two options: Either accept the Sindh Taas Agreement [Indus Waters Treaty], or if it refuses and proceeds to build dams or canals [on rivers flowing into Pakistan], then Pakistan will go to war – after which all six rivers' waters will be secured for Pakistan."[4] "India wants our future generations to fight over water. India's threat to block Pakistan's water is a violation of the UN Charter." Bhutto, who could someday become the prime minister of Pakistan, made his statement to gain support from voters and draw international attention to the issue.[5] However, he did not address India's main concern about Pakistan-backed jihadi terrorism. On May 7, India executed retaliatory strikes on nine jihadi centers in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, leading to a four-day war between the two nuclear powers in which U.S. President Donald Trump sided proactively with Pakistan to ensure a premature ceasefire.[6] Bilawal Bhutto is the son of current Pakistani President Asif Zardari "Three Wars Have Been Fought For Kashmir, And If Ten More Need To Be Fought, We Will Fight" Top Pakistani leaders have also threatened nuclear war against India. In multiple speeches, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir has warned India that "three wars have been fought for Kashmir, and if ten more need to be fought, we will fight, Allah willing."[7] General Munir, who is believed to have masterminded the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, has stated: "Our stance, government's stance on Kashmir is absolutely clear; it was our jugular vein, it is our jugular vein. We will not forget it. And we will not leave our Kashmiri brethren in their heroic struggle that they are waging against the Indian occupation. We have fought three wars for Kashmir."[8] Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has been more blunt in his warnings against India, warning, well before the May 7 Indian airstrikes: "A military action by India is possible at any time because the tension is deepening between the two nuclear powers. Pakistan is on high alert and in such a situation we can use nuclear weapons when there is a direct danger to our existence."[9] In the days following the ceasefire, Khawaja Asif asserted: "At this time, even the closest allies of India have not stood by it. It is only Israel. Israel's standing by [India] is a natural act. Both are enemies, Islam-enemy countries. In their enmity of Islam, of Muslims, of Muslim states, they are together. And my view is that their alliance, their true face, their goals bring them before us."[10] With respect to India's decision to suspend the water-sharing treaty, the Urdu daily Roznama Ummat wrote an editorial a day before Bhutto threatened war against India. Below are excerpts from the piece, titled "The Recurrence Of India's Water Aggression!"[11] "Pakistan Will Never Again Receive The Water That Was Unnecessarily Being Provided To It In The Past. The New Delhi Government Has Permanently Decided That It Will Not Restore The Indus Waters Treaty With Pakistan" "India has once again revealed its malicious intentions by hinting at violating the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking of [the possibility of India] blocking the flow of water into Pakistani rivers, Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah has said that India has no intention of restoring the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. He stated that India would now use the water that was previously given to Pakistan within its internal regions, particularly for [the desert state of] Rajasthan. "In an interview with a foreign news agency, he said that Pakistan will never again receive the water that was unnecessarily being provided to it in the past. The New Delhi government has permanently decided that it will not restore the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. "India's obstinate statement regarding the blocking of Pakistan's water has come at a time when relations between the two countries are already strained. In this context, it would not be wrong to say that, following a major defeat at the hands of Pakistan in a brief war [May 7-10, 2025], Indian leaders – still unable to digest their humiliation – frequently issue such statements to vent their frustration in front of local and international media representatives. "They are desperate to find some way to fulfill their 'duty' of harming Pakistan just to satisfy their own egos. Whether it is Amit Shah or any other Indian strongman, they should at least reread the pages of the Indus Waters Treaty before making such statements. Pakistan has clarified multiple times that the Indus Waters Treaty is an international agreement from which India cannot unilaterally withdraw, nor does India have the right to tamper with the waters flowing into Pakistani rivers." "If India Attempts Anything Of The Sort... It Will Be Considered Another Act Of Aggression Against Pakistan" "If India attempts anything of the sort which, according to water experts, is 'beyond its capability,' it will be considered another act of aggression against Pakistan. According to water experts and international agencies, in river water treaties, the downstream regions not only have a moral but a legal right to the flowing waters. A screenshot of the Roznama Ummat editorial "The Indus Waters Treaty is also governed by this very principle. The Modi government must know that Pakistan holds a legal claim to the waters of these rivers. If India becomes part of any new adventurism in this regard, Pakistan reserves both the moral and legal right to approach international forums in its defense. "The timing of Amit Shah's recent statement cannot be overlooked. It is highly likely that his remarks are part of an attempt to exploit the ongoing tensions in the region. The Modi government should remember that any such step taken by it would not only fail to yield any benefit but would also risk further escalating the already volatile situation in the region." "This Kind Of Behavior Sets An Extremely Dangerous And Irresponsible Precedent" "If the preacher of 'secular India,' driven by a mindset of water aggression, attempts to use water as a weapon against Pakistan, then without doubt, raising questions at the international level against such actions will not be out of the question. "The Pakistani Foreign Office has once again rejected the statement by Indian Interior Minister Amit Shah regarding water aggression against Pakistan, stating that Pakistan fully respects the Indus Waters Treaty and will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests. "Rejecting Amit Shah's recent statement, the Foreign Office termed it a blatant violation of the sanctity of international agreements and a reflection of grave insensitivity, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty is not a political arrangement, but an international treaty under which there is no room for any unilateral action. "If India proceeds with any such step, it will be considered a clear violation of international law, the provisions of binding treaties, and the fundamental principles of inter-state relations. This kind of behavior sets an extremely dangerous and irresponsible precedent, which would undermine the credibility of international agreements and raise serious questions about the commitment and seriousness of the Indian state openly reneging on its legal commitments. "The Foreign Office is right in stating that India's use of water as a political weapon will be an irresponsible act and go against globally recognized principles of state conduct. Therefore, it is essential that India immediately withdraw its unilateral and illegal stance and refrain from making statements that suggest tampering with the Indus Waters Treaty."
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Big! Pak's Bilawal Bhutto Faces Lashkar Threat After ‘Extradite Hafiz Saeed' Shocker; ‘How Dare You'
Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's suggestion to extradite "individuals of concern" like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India, if India cooperates, has ignited a firestorm. While Bhutto views it as a "confidence-building measure," Hafiz Saeed's son, Talha Saeed, fiercely condemned it as "promoting the enemy's narrative" and questioning Bhutto's faith. Former PM Imran Khan's PTI party also slammed Bhutto as an "immature political child," calling the proposal "detrimental" to Pakistan's national security. The controversy highlights deep divisions within Pakistan regarding its approach to terrorism and relations with India.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bilawal Bhutto's offer to extradite Hafiz Saeed to India ignites internal conflict in Pakistan
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed 's son, Talha Saeed , has strongly criticised former Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto 's recent remarks about possible extradition of wanted terrorists to India . In a video statement released on Sunday, Talha described Bhutto's offer as 'irresponsible' and 'unacceptable,' saying it had brought shame to Pakistan internationally. Bhutto had made the comments during an interview with Al Jazeera on Friday. When asked about the possibility of handing over figures like Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar , Bhutto said, 'We have no objection to such steps as a confidence-building measure,' provided India cooperates. LeT-linked political groups reject Bhutto's position Responding to Bhutto's statement, Talha Saeed said, 'We and our community' would never accept the idea of handing over his father to India, calling India a hostile country. He also accused Bhutto of promoting narratives influenced by the West and India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 착용했을 때, 더 뿌듯한 팔찌 유니세프 지금 기부하기 Undo The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, associated with LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, issued a statement rejecting Bhutto's views. It blamed India for spreading terrorism in Pakistan and neighbouring regions. No official backing for Bhutto's remarks Although Bhutto's remarks gained attention, they carry no official weight. He currently holds no position in Pakistan's government. Many observers see his statement as political messaging without real intent or authority. Live Events "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has no locus standi. He is not in the cabinet, he is not part of the armed forces. Yes, his father is the president of Pakistan (Asif Ali Zardari), and that's about all," said Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) in an interview with TOI. Arya said that the Pakistani establishment often uses figures like Bhutto to send diplomatic signals without committing officially. "Because the Indus Waters Treaty has been held in abeyance by India, they want to give out an olive branch to India as a token of peace or a white flag. But tomorrow, if public backlash is a little too much... at that point in time, Pakistan can say Bilawal is not part of the government," he said. India unlikely to respond without institutional clarity Indian defence experts believe the offer lacks credibility. Without official support from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or clear institutional steps, analysts see little reason for India to engage. Major Arya said that Bhutto's statement is likely a distraction. He added that Islamabad may be trying to manage its international image while domestic pressures continue to grow. 'The extradition offer lacks credibility because it came from someone without governing authority,' Arya said. Unless Pakistan backs such statements with policy action and transparency in dealing with terror groups, diplomatic engagement with India is expected to remain on hold.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bilawal Bhutto's extradition 'offer' sparks LeT row
Bilawal Bhutto (File photo) NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto 's comments on offering extradition of wanted Pakistani terrorists to India seems to have hit a raw nerve with Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed 's son Talha. Reacting sharply to remarks Bhutto made in a recent interview, Talha accused him of making an "irresponsible offer". Instead of offering extradition of Pakistani citizens, Talha said Pakistan govt should be demanding the extradition of Indian leaders. He also questioned Bhutto's credibility, alleging that his family has a history of towing the Western and Indian narrative against Pakistan. During the interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera on Friday, Bhutto had asserted that his country had no objection to extraditing terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India as a "confidence-building measure". Pakistan is ready to extradite "individuals of concern" to India provided New Delhi showed "willingness" to cooperate in the process, Bhutto had said while responding to a question about extraditing LeT chief Saeed and Jaish-e-Muhammed kingpin Masood Azhar as a gesture of good faith. In a video issued on Sunday, Talha claimed that Bhutto's statement about his father had brought shame to Pakistan globally. "Bilawal Bhutto's suggestion to hand over his father to India, a hostile country, is unacceptable and will be opposed by us and our community," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Show Off Your Talent: Enter the Ultimate Creator Contest! Tocsin Media & Marketing LLC Undo Both Saeed and his son Talha are listed as global terrorists by US treasury department. Shortly after Talha's video, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, political offshoot of LeT/Jamaat-ud-Dawa, released a statement claiming India was involved in terrorism in Pakistan and Indian State was the mastermind of vicious terror campaigns in Pakistan and around the world.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Why Bilawal Bhutto's Masood, Hafiz extradition offer is a sham - no power, no credibility, no trust; just a desperate bluff?
NEW DELHI: NEW DELHI: Every time Pakistan offers a gesture of peace, it falls short on one crucial element. Trust. India has faced repeated betrayals at critical moments, from the 1947-48 invasion of Kashmir, the 1965 war after Operation Gibraltar, to Pakistan's role in the 1971 crackdown in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Thereafter came the sponsorship of insurgency in Kashmir since 1989, the 1999 Kargil War shortly after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Lahore visit, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai carnage despite ongoing backchannel talks. The 2016 Pathankot airbase attack soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise stopover in Lahore. Then came the Uri attack, the 2019 Pulwama bombing, and most recently, the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. For every olive branch, India has often found a dagger concealed behind it. Security personnel at the site following the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack. (PTI) At the core of these repeated provocations are Pakistan-backed terror outfits such as 's (LeT) and 's (JeM). Both remain among India's most wanted terrorists for their roles in fomenting unrest and orchestrating deadly attacks. In this context, the latest remarks by Pakistan's former foreign minister Zardari have raised eyebrows. Bhutto has claimed that Islamabad is willing to extradite Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, provided India "cooperates legally." This offer stands in sharp contrast to Bhutto's earlier posture. Just days after India put the (IWT) in abeyance, a visibly rattled Bhutto issued a combative statement: "I want to tell India that the Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either water will flow in this Indus, or their blood will." Bilawal Bhutto Threatens 'Blood Will Flow' If India Stops Water to Pakistan, Gets 'Not A Drop' Rebut So what explains this sudden pivot, from incendiary rhetoric to conciliatory overtures? Is it a genuine shift in Pakistan's policy or a desperate attempt to draw India back to the negotiating table, particularly on the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi suspended following the Pahalgam terror attack? And most importantly, should India take Bhutto seriously? Pakistan, which depends on the Indus river system for nearly 90 per cent of its agriculture, views the treaty as vital to its food and water security. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As the upper riparian state, India holds significant leverage. A reduced flow could intensify economic distress and internal unrest in Pakistan. Union home minister Amit Shah, Union jal shakti minister CR Paatil have firmly stated that the central government has developed a comprehensive strategy to halt Indian river water from flowing into Pakistan. Dismissing Pakistan's loud objections over the IWT, PM Modi also made it clear that "the waters rightfully belonging to India will now serve Indian interests alone". Significance of IWT Seen in this light, Bhutto's statement appears to be a strategic move, deliberately ambiguous and easily retractable if no progress occurs. "Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has no locus standi. He is not in the cabinet, he is not part of the armed forces. Yes, his father is the president of Pakistan (Asif Ali Zardari), and that's about all. So, the Pakistani army uses people like Bilwal Bhutto to make comments which can then be retracted tomorrow," Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) told TOI. He further said: "Because the Indus Waters Treaty has been held in abeyance by India, they want to give out an olive branch to India as a token of peace or a white flag. But tomorrow, if public backlash is a little too that point in time, Pakistan can say Bilawal is not part of the government." However, acknowledging that Bilawal's statement is not entirely without significance, Major Arya said, "India should just absorb Bilawal's remark and just wait for the official statements". "If the Pakistani ministry of external affairs makes a point, then India's MEA will make a counterpoint," he added. Shehbaz Sharif Announces New Dam Projects- Will Indus Water Dispute Intensify? | Watch Ultimately, Bhutto's extradition overture appears less a policy shift and more a calculated distraction -- a diplomatic decoy aimed at reclaiming control over a narrative slipping from Islamabad's hands. With the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and India showing no signs of relenting, Pakistan finds itself cornered. An offer to hand over long-sheltered terrorists may sound conciliatory, but it lacks institutional weight and credibility -- especially when made by someone with no executive authority. India, hardened by decades of Islamabad's duplicity, is unlikely to be swayed by rhetoric alone. Without transparency, accountability, and an unequivocal crackdown on terror infrastructure, New Delhi has little reason to re-engage.
