Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, India has taken decisive action against Pakistan. In a strong response, India has terminated the Indus Water Treaty with immediate effect, intensifying pressure on Pakistan and sparking fears of a severe water crisis in the neighboring country. This move has triggered a sharp reaction from Pakistan, though its aggressive posturing continues, including threats involving notorious terrorist Hafiz Saeed.
Hafiz Saeed’s Threat Resurfaces Amid Tensions
Agitated by India’s withdrawal from the decades-old treaty, Pakistan has attempted to provoke further tensions by resurfacing an old video of terrorist Hafiz Saeed. In the viral footage, Saeed issues threats against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying:
“If you try to stop Pakistan’s water, we will stop your breath. Rivers will run red with bl’ood.”
These threats, though recycled, highlight the escalating rhetoric from across the border as India tightens its stance.
A video of terrorist Hafiz Saeed is going viral on Pakistani mainstream and social media where he can be seen threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi and saying he will strangulate him, if attempts are made to stop Pakistan's water! pic.twitter.com/NwfKtw2LqZ
— Shuvankar Biswas (@manamuntu) April 23, 2025
What Is the Indus Water Treaty?
Signed on September 19, 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty was a water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank between India and Pakistan. Under its terms:
- India was granted control over the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej
- Pakistan had access to the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab
Pakistan is heavily reliant on the water from these rivers for drinking, agriculture, and hydroelectric power. India’s withdrawal from the treaty could have devastating consequences, including the shutdown of hydro projects, power shortages, and further deterioration of Pakistan’s already struggling economy.
India Closes Attari Border, Declares Diplomats Persona Non Grata
India’s tough stance doesn’t stop at just the treaty withdrawal. The government has taken additional retaliatory steps, including:
- Closure of the Attari border crossing, effective immediately. However, individuals who crossed with valid documents may return via this route until May 1.
- Expulsion of Pakistani defense personnel from the High Commission in New Delhi, including military, naval, and air advisers, who have been declared persona non grata and given seven days to leave India.
- Recall of Indian defense personnel from its High Commission in Islamabad.
- Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistani nationals, who will no longer be allowed entry into India under this program.
- All Pakistani citizens currently in India have been instructed to leave the country within 48 hours.
Conclusion
India’s decision to scrap the Indus Water Treaty marks a significant escalation in its policy toward Pakistan, signaling that terrorism will no longer be tolerated without consequence. By combining diplomatic isolation with strategic resource control, India is sending a strong message. As tensions rise, the region watches closely to see how this dramatic shift in bilateral relations unfolds.
