In the tense aftermath of the India-Pakistan military conflict earlier this month — capped by Operation Sindoor and followed by a ceasefire on May 10 — Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has escalated rhetoric, vowing not to accept Indian "hegemony" in South Asia and warning of no compromise over water rights, especially the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
Key Points from Munir’s Statements
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Indus Water Treaty Is a "Red Line":Munir declared that Pakistan would never compromise on the IWT, calling it a matter tied directly to the fundamental rights of 240 million Pakistanis. His strong wording — "Water is Pakistan's red line" — came in reaction to India's unprecedented move to suspend the treaty after the terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 Indian tourists.
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Opposition to Indian "Hegemony":Speaking to university leaders and educators, Munir said Islamabad would never accept Indian domination in the region. He portrayed Pakistan’s posture as one of resistance and sovereignty, framing the water dispute and broader geopolitical tensions as existential challenges.
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Allegations Against India on Balochistan Unrest:Munir accused India of backing the Baloch insurgency, claiming that Baloch rebels were proxies acting on behalf of foreign interests. Notably, he dismissed the rebels as “not Baloch,” a remark likely to provoke deeper resentment in the already volatile region. His comments followed a surge in Baloch militant activity, including six attacks in Quetta on May 8 and the hoisting of Baloch flags in place of Pakistani ones.
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Religious Undertones:Munir also remarked that "Pakistan was blessed to receive help from Allah" during the recent military skirmish — a statement framing the conflict in spiritual terms and possibly intended to bolster nationalist sentiment.
India’s Position and Diplomatic Offensive
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After the Pahalgam massacre, India convened its Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and took the historic step of suspending the IWT, signed in 1960.
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The IWT governs the distribution of water from six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (mostly allocated to Pakistan), and Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (allocated to India).
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India had also financially supported Pakistan’s water infrastructure under the treaty — a point now seen in stark contrast to the current diplomatic climate.
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Anticipating a global backlash, India launched a diplomatic blitz, dispatching seven teams of MPs worldwide to explain and justify its actions as part of a "post-Operation Sindoor diplomacy" initiative.
Broader Context
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The Indus Water Treaty has long been considered a rare, stable accord in India-Pakistan relations, even surviving previous wars and skirmishes. Its suspension marks a seismic shift in how New Delhi views bilateral obligations in the face of cross-border terrorism.
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Pakistan, already struggling with internal strife in Balochistan, economic instability, and global isolation, now faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts — security, water, and diplomatic credibility.
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Munir's statements reflect Islamabad’s hardening stance and increasing use of anti-India rhetoric to rally domestic support amid these crises.
Outlook
While both countries have declared a ceasefire, the deeper strategic, political, and ideological fault lines remain active:
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The future of the Indus Water Treaty is now in jeopardy and could become a major flashpoint.
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Pakistan’s accusations on Balochistan may invite further global scrutiny, especially if it cannot substantiate claims.
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India appears to be redefining its tolerance for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism — taking diplomatic, economic, and now hydrological steps to punish Islamabad post-attacks.
This new phase of Indo-Pak relations signals that ceasefires may pause hostilities, but the battles over resources, territory, and regional dominance are far from over.
