Islamabad, Aug 17: Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and political commentator Najam Sethi has sparked controversy with remarks suggesting Pakistan could resort to nuclear weapons if India halts water supply under the Indus Water Treaty.
Speaking on Sama TV, Sethi, known to be close to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is not for “celebrating Diwali” but to be used if the country’s existence comes under threat. He argued that stopping Pakistan’s water would constitute such an existential crisis.
“If India stops our water by building a dam, then we will not fire one but ten missiles and destroy any dam,” Sethi warned. His comments came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that India would not provide water to Pakistan under the treaty.
Three Scenarios for Nuclear Use
Sethi outlined three situations where Pakistan might consider deploying nuclear weapons:
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If the Indian Navy attacks near Karachi and blocks the port.
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If Indian ground forces enter Lahore and advance toward Islamabad.
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If New Delhi attempts to halt Pakistan’s water supply, endangering civilian lives.
A video clip of his remarks has since gone viral online, with Sethi seen making the threats on air. However, it remains unclear whether the clip is recent or dates back to an earlier conflict period, possibly Operation Sindoor.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, has long governed water-sharing arrangements between India and Pakistan. While the treaty has survived wars and tensions, recent disputes have reignited debate over its future.