Islamabad changes its tune

A day after India responded with a slew of measures including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reducing strength in consulates and stopping all trade, Pakistan displayed bravado.

- HARSHA KAKAR

day after India responded with a slew of measures including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reducing strength in consulates and stopping all trade, Pakistan displayed bravado. A statement issued after their National Security Council meeting termed India's actions as 'unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible, and devoid of legal merit.' It added, "Any attempt to stop or divert Pakistan's water will be responded to with full force across the complete spectrum of national power."

It threatened to bomb dams which stop flows of water. This fake bravado has no meaning as any such action will only flood Pakistan and Indian retaliation could be severe. There are already reports of floods in POK with increased release of water in the Jhelum. With the treaty off, India has no obligation to share information on release of water. Reducing flow of water will have a major impact and Pakistan is aware.

Pakistan's deputy PM and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar termed terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack as 'freedom fighters,' and vowed to strike back at any Indian action. Their defence minister, Khawaja Asif, admitted in a TV interview that Pakistan had been backing, supporting, training, and funding terrorists, adding it was doing so for the West including the US. Would anyone believe things to be any different today? The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the LeT, a known Pakistani organization, took responsibility for the attack.