ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a firm warning to India regarding its ongoing threats over regional water resources, pledging that Pakistan will respond decisively to protect its rights under international agreements.
Water Security: A National Priority
Chairing a high-level meeting on Pakistan’s water security, PM Shehbaz described India’s approach as a continuation of its “arrogance and hegemonic mindset.” He declared, “Just like in a conventional war, Indian arrogance will be crushed on the water issue,” emphasizing that water security is a “collective national challenge” for Pakistan.
The premier highlighted India’s threats to cut off Pakistan’s water supply, which contravene the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960—a pact granting Pakistan rights over three western rivers. He asserted that these threats have been rejected globally.
“India is making a narrative regarding the water-sharing agreement, but no one in the world has accepted it,” Shehbaz said. “All of India’s diplomatic efforts have failed miserably. Even its attempt to lobby for delaying the Asian Development Bank’s agenda by three days was unsuccessful.”
Diplomatic Victory and Continued Vigilance
Shehbaz credited recent international diplomatic developments as a “historic victory” for Pakistan in safeguarding its water rights. “The amount of gratitude to Allah for this victory is still not enough,” he stated. Despite this, he warned that India continues to issue threats following its defeat in the recent war, which Pakistan is prepared to face “with full force and unity.”
“Securing the water needs of 240 million Pakistanis is our duty,” the prime minister asserted, noting that the nation stands behind its armed forces “like a lead wall.” He added, “We will have to take decisions against the challenges together.”
Preparing for All Contingencies
PM Shehbaz stressed that India’s aggression over water is not only a diplomatic issue but a survival matter for Pakistan’s growing population and agricultural sector. “We must prepare ourselves to confront India, politically, diplomatically, and if necessary, otherwise,” he said.
Calling for unity, he insisted that combating this challenge requires a joint national effort. “We will jointly destroy India’s arrogance and conceit. This is not a one-man fight—it’s the fight of every Pakistani,” he emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a directive to develop a coordinated national strategy encompassing legal, diplomatic, and strategic measures to defend Pakistan’s water share and ensure sustainable management for the future.
