Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a strong statement on Friday, condemning India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and vowing that Pakistan would not back down on its claims over the Indus River.
Addressing a public gathering in Sukkur, Bilawal declared, “The Indus is ours and will remain ours — either our water will flow through it, or their blood.” He emphasized the unity of Pakistanis in responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions, likening them to aggression on the vital water resource.
Bilawal recalled the PPP’s historic stance against controversial canal projects, noting the success of the party’s efforts in securing federal government approval that no new canals would be built on the Indus without the consensus of all provinces. He credited the PPP workers, especially the Jiyalas, for their tireless campaigning and said their struggle had ensured that Sindh’s interests were safeguarded.
He highlighted the recent agreement between PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, affirming that any future canal projects would require the mutual consent of all provinces, as per the official policy of Pakistan’s federal government.
Bilawal also shared details of his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting the government’s commitment to refer the canal project to the Council of Common Interests (CCI). He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for listening to the people’s concerns and for securing the unanimous support of the PML-N and PPP on the matter.
On the international front, Bilawal condemned India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an attempt by Modi to deflect attention from his failures, particularly after a terrorist incident in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism, distancing the country from any involvement in the incident.
Bilawal assured the nation that Pakistan would stand firm in protecting the Indus River, and he reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to struggle against India’s unilateral actions. He called on the public to unite and vowed that the PPP would hold a major public rally in Mirpurkhas on May 1 to continue the fight for the river’s protection.
