Dar’s controversial remarks
“Those who carried out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam district on April 22 might be freedom fighters,” he said on Thursday, April 24, reported News18.His remarks have sparked outrage, especially after India identified the attack as an act of terrorism linked to Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) through its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF).
Read more: Pahalgam Terror Attack Live: Pak Dy PM hails attackers as ‘freedom fighters’, Rahul to meet J&K Lt Guv
The terror attack took place in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows on April 22.
India’s response to attacks
In a strong retaliatory move, India has placed the 1960 Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, describing it as a major diplomatic strike against Islamabad.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, April 23.
Additionally, all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including medical visas, have been revoked.
Pakistan label’s treaty suspension as “Act of War”
Reacting to India’s actions, Dar warned of severe consequences, stating, “240 million people in Pakistan need water. You cannot stop it. It is tantamount to an act of war. Any suspension or encroachment won’t be accepted.”
Read more: Suspected Pahalgam attack terrorists’ homes flattened — Watch video
He further stated that Pak would issue a “tit-for-tat” response to what he termed as India’s aggression, as per News18.
“Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparians will be considered as an act of war,” a statement read by Pakistan’s National Security Committee, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif.
First Published: Apr 25, 2025 10:46 AM IS
