Islamabad – Arab Canada News

In an unprecedented escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan's Minister of Railways, Aun Chaudhry, threatened to use nuclear force against India, following New Delhi's announcement to suspend its participation in the Indus Water Treaty after the deadly attack that occurred in Pahalgam.

In a press conference, Chaudhry addressed India, saying: “Our missiles, Ghauri, Shaheen, and Ghaznavi are not mere decorations displayed on the streets; they are aimed at you,” adding: “If you cut off our water, we will cut off your breaths.” He confirmed that Pakistan is prepared to respond forcefully to any aggression, stating: “Imagine you launch one missile, we respond with 200; where will you flee? Don’t threaten us, we are not cowards.”

This escalation came after the attack that took place on April 22 in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir, when armed militants from the Kashmiri resistance movement opened fire on tourists, resulting in the death of 26 people, including nationals from the UAE and Nepal. The attack sparked widespread condemnation in India and the international community.

Following the attack, the Indian government took strict measures, including announcing the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960, which was considered one of the last pillars of stability in the strained relations between the two sides. Islamabad warned that tampering with water supplies constitutes a “declaration of war,” cautioning of serious repercussions.

Additionally, India closed its borders with Pakistan and ordered all Pakistani citizens to leave the country within 48 hours, cancelled travel visas, and halved diplomatic missions between the two countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to shorten his visit to Saudi Arabia and rushed back to New Delhi to follow up on developments.

For its part, the Indian government confirmed that the explosions that destroyed the homes of two militants from the group “Lashkar-e-Taiba” involved in the attack occurred during security sweeps in Kashmir.

Observers fear that the current escalation could lead to a serious deterioration in the regional situation, especially with the exchange of nuclear threats between the two sides for the first time in years.