New Delhi:
The Pakistani Ambassador to Russia has issued a stern warning, stating that Islamabad may utilize its entire military arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if it faces aggression from India or if New Delhi interferes with Pakistan’s water supply.
In an interview with Russian broadcaster RT on Saturday, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s top diplomat in Moscow, indicated that Islamabad has credible intelligence suggesting that India is planning a military offensive in Pakistani territory. “There are leaked documents indicating a decision to attack certain areas of Pakistan,” Mr. Jamali remarked. “We believe this is imminent and concerningly close.”
These statements mark one of the most explicit threats of nuclear retaliation made by a high-ranking Pakistani official against India in recent times. “We will employ the full spectrum of our military capabilities, including nuclear options, in Pakistan,” he asserted.
Warning from Pakistan to India
The diplomat states that Islamabad could resort to nuclear weapons in a potential conflict with New Delhi.
‘Pakistan will use the full spectrum of power, both traditional and nuclear’ – Ambassador to Russia RT https://t.co/Itqwdwrqlz pic.twitter.com/lcqxkbijd0
– RT (@RT_COM) May 3, 2025
Mr. Jamali’s remarks come in the wake of a terrorist attack in Pahgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. This incident has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with India accusing Pakistan of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations responsible for the attack, a claim that Islamabad has denied.
In response to these developments, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs the distribution of the Indus River and its tributaries between the two nations. The treaty had previously helped mitigate tensions following several wars and was regarded as a rare stabilizing factor in a strained bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Jamali characterized India’s suspension of the treaty as an act of war.
He stated, “Any attempt to halt the flow of water to the lower riparian areas, or to obstruct it in any way, will be considered a declaration of war against Pakistan and will be met with a full force response, utilizing our entire military capability.”
This warning was echoed by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khwaja Asif during an interview with Geo News on Friday, where he stated that Islamabad would target any infrastructure on the Indus River that violates the treaty. “If they attempt to construct any infrastructure, we will strike it,” Mr. Asif warned. He emphasized that aggression can take many forms, including actions that block water, which can lead to starvation and thirst.
Amid discussions of potential nuclear conflict, the Pakistani Army conducted a surface missile test from the Abdali platform on Saturday. This missile has a range of 450 km and can carry both conventional and nuclear payloads. According to a statement from the Pakistani military, the launch was intended to ensure “operational readiness.”
Indian officials view this test as a significant provocation, although the Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue an official statement regarding the launch.
On the same day, India implemented a ban on the import of goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan, effectively blocking Pakistani ships from accessing Indian ports. This move was accompanied by instructions to prevent Indian carriers from docking at Pakistani ports. Pakistan swiftly reciprocated by imposing its own restrictions on Indian vessels.
The Directorate General of Shipping has also issued a directive prohibiting maritime trade between the two nations. This ban extends to all Pakistani goods, even those routed through third countries. Since India imposed a 200 percent tariff following the Pulwama attack in 2019, bilateral trade has nearly come to a standstill.
Other recent measures include the suspension of postal exchanges, including letters and parcels, and the closing of the Attari-Wagah land border crossing.
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