Pakistani Military Spokesperson Draws Criticism for Aggressive Rhetoric Amid Indus Waters Tensions

 May 23, 2025 — In a controversial statement that has drawn parallels to the rhetoric of proscribed terrorist leaders, Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made inflammatory remarks against India during a public address at a Pakistani university. His comments come amid rising tensions following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by India.

Referring to India’s decision to suspend the treaty in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, General Chaudhry issued a provocative warning: “If you stop our waters, we’ll choke your breath (Tum humara paani rok doge toh hum tumhara saans band kar denge).” The statement has raised concerns over the tone of official military discourse in Pakistan and its alignment with earlier extremist rhetoric, including that of Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs the shared usage of the Indus River and its tributaries — Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab — between India and Pakistan. The treaty is widely regarded as a cornerstone of water diplomacy between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, mandating cooperation and data exchange on water flow and usage.

However, in response to the killing of 26 Indian tourists by Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked terrorists in Pahalgam, India announced a series of retaliatory measures on April 23. These included suspending the treaty until Pakistan takes verifiable action to end its support for cross-border terrorism.

India has repeatedly underscored its position that “blood and water can’t flow together at the same time,” signaling that diplomatic engagement on cooperative issues like water sharing cannot coexist with acts of terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil.

Following the diplomatic and economic measures, India escalated its response with Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7. The operation targeted nine terror-linked sites within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), as part of what the Indian government described as a “measured yet decisive response” to continued provocations.

The closure of the Integrated Check Post at the Attari border further reflected New Delhi’s strategic posture, signaling a comprehensive review of bilateral engagement in light of national security considerations.

As rhetoric intensifies on both sides, international observers have expressed concern over the potential for further escalation. The World Bank has yet to issue an official statement regarding the future of the Indus Waters Treaty amid these developments.