India warned against its hydro terror

NA resolution says any move by Delhi to suspend waters treaty will be considered 'act of war'

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday, declaring that any move by India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) would be considered an "act of war".

The lower house also approved the Gas-Fired Power Plants Bill 2025, despite opposition. The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began with opposition member Iqbal Afridi pointing out a lack of quorum, leading to a 15-minute suspension of proceedings.

Following the question hour, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik introduced the Gas-Fired Power Plants Bill 2025, which sought imposing a levy on privately operated captive power plants.

The bill was passed despite opposition protests. Initially, a five per cent levy will be imposed, which may increase to 10 per cent and eventually 20 per cent in subsequent phases.

Later, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Moin Wattoo tabled a resolution condemning India's reported move to suspend the IWT. The resolution, passed unanimously, stated that such an action would be tantamount to a declaration of war and urged the government to take measures in this regard.

During the debate, PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi warned that India had faced defeat before and would face it again if it continued to engage in proxy warfare and terrorism.

PPP's Aijaz Jakhrani emphasized the critical importance of water, declaring, "Water is life, and we will not compromise on it. Modi must hear this loud and clear."

The lower house also strongly condemned the recent school bus attack in Khuzdar.

National Assembly member from Balochistan Mian Khan Bugti said India had been involved in the Khuzdar school bus attack, vowing to defeat Indian-backed proxies.

Meanwhile, in response to a calling attention notice regarding the quality of food and alternative arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, Federal Minister Sardar Yousaf assured the House that any issues raised by members would be addressed promptly.

The National Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely.