Pakistan won't let India cross water treaty red line: PM
DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday warned that Pakistan would not allow India to cross the red line by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and endangering millions of lives for narrow political gains, outrightly rejecting weaponization of water.
Addressing the three-day high-level international conference on Glaciers' Preservation being held in Dushanbe from May 29-31, 2025, Shehbaz Sharif said 'Delhi's unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin's water, is deeply regrettable.
Millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains, and Pakistan will not allow this. We will never allow the red line to be crossed.'
Shehbaz Sharif warned that there are 13,000 glaciers in Pakistan and they are fast melting due to climate change. 'Pakistan gets half of its water from these glaciers and Sindh River is its lifeline,' he added.
Apprising the participants about the impacts of climate change on Pakistan, the prime minister reaffirmed the country's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and glacier conservation.
The international conference is being attended by over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organizations, including prime ministers, vice-presidents, ministers, and UN assistant secretaries-general.
In his comprehensive address, Shehbaz Sharif touched all the relevant issues, including glacial preservation, Pakistan's climate vulnerability, 2022 floods in Pakistan, global climate action and responsibility, scientific projections on glacial melt, weaponization of water and call to protect nature and humanity's shared destiny.
'The world today bears fresh scars from the use of conventional weapons in Gaza that have left deep wounds. As if that were not enough, we are now witnessing an alarming new low—the weaponization of water,' he told the international conference being hosted by Government of Tajikistan in collaboration with the United Nations, UNESCO, WMO, the Asian Development Bank, and other key partners as a historic moment for climate ambition, glacier preservation, and international cooperation.
The 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, through a resolution, had declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, 21st of March as World Day for Glaciers starting in 2025, and that the Government of Tajikistan will host the International Conference on the subject in 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz vows to resolve all issues concerning KP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assured to address all issues concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Addressing a Jirga in Peshawar, he announced to form a committee to look into all the demands and issues raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, according to a statement from Prime Minister's office. The Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with Federal Ministers of Defence, Interior, Information and Federal Minister for Kashmir & GB Affairs, visited Peshawar today. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was also with PM on the visit to Peshawar. On arrival, CM & Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhawa welcomed the Prime Minister. During the visit, Prime Minister addressed a Grand Jirga attended by eminent tribal elders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Governor and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also present at the occasion. In his address, the Prime Minister paid tributes to the indomitable spirit and historic sacrifices of the valiant Pakhtun people in their enduring quest for peace and stability. He remarked, 'The sacrifices rendered by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are indelibly inscribed in the annals of our national history. The entire nation salutes your courage, resolve, and unwavering commitment.' The Prime Minister called upon tribal elders to remain resolute in countering the Indian-sponsored Fitna-ul-Khawarij, and to expose its malignant ideology and deceitful narrative. Commending the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Police, and other Law Enforcement Agencies for their exemplary service and sacrifices, the Prime Minister affirmed, 'Peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shall be preserved at all costs. The Pakistan Army, in unison with all security institutions and the valiant people of the province, stands firmly united against the Fitna-ul-Khawarij and its foreign abettors.' Reiterating Pakistan's commitment to regional harmony, the Prime Minister stressed the imperative of enhanced bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan, and urged that Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used by Indian proxies to perpetrate terrorism against Pakistan. He further lauded the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a vital national asset, encouraging them to play a constructive role in advancing peace, opportunity, and national cohesion for future generations. The tribal elders warmly received the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff, terming the Grand Jirga a significant and timely initiative. They expressed deep appreciation for the Armed Forces' professional excellence and unwavering resolve, particularly in the successful conduct of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Earlier, the Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada in Peshawar Cantonment. Upon arrival, he was received by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), and Corps Commander Peshawar.
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM calls for expedited work on Diamer Bhasha dam
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a high-level meeting on water resources and the construction of the Diamer Bhasha Dam in Islamabad on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. — Photo courtesy: Radio Pakistan Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored the importance of affordable electricity and agricultural growth for the country's self-reliance, directing the authorities concerned to expedite work on the Diamer Bhasha Dam by removing all bottlenecks. Chairing a high-level meeting on water resources and the construction of the Diamer Bhasha Dam, the prime minister said the development of large-scale water infrastructure was essential to enhance storage capacity, ensure irrigation supply, and mitigate the impact of floods. He emphasised that national self-sufficiency was closely tied to an effective system of water management and energy production, which required timely completion of projects like the Diamer Bhasha Dam. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Engineer Amir Muqam, Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Moeen Wattoo; Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah; Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan; and other senior officials. Also Read: 'Modi is licking his wounds,' says PM Shehbaz Earlier, while addressing a peace jirga in Peshawar, the pime minister reiterated Pakistan's right to every drop of water in line with the Indus Water Treaty, and announced plans to store water in key projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. He said a decision on the water issue would be made by inviting all four provinces for discussions on how to increase water reserves so that India's malicious designs are buried. Tensions between India and Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty escalated following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which India blamed on Pakistan without presenting evidence — a claim Islamabad categorically rejected, calling instead for an independent investigation. India, however, opted to heighten tensions by unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing. In response, Pakistan hinted at suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement.
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
SAPM Fatemi delivers PM's letter to President Putin in meeting with Russian FM Lavrov
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs and Minister of State, Syed Tariq Fatemi, met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday as he began his official visit to the Russian Federation, the Foreign Office said. During the meeting, the SAPM conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's warm greetings and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Russia in key areas, including energy, trade, and regional connectivity. Fatemi also briefed the Russian foreign minister on recent developments in South Asia, expressing Pakistan's concerns over regional instability. High-level delegations to visit world capitals from Jun 2 to project Pakistan's stance on Indian aggression He specifically highlighted India's threat to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a move with serious implications for regional peace and water security. Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed satisfaction over the steady growth in Pakistan-Russia ties and welcomed ongoing joint initiatives, including the development of new steel mills and connectivity infrastructure. He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), especially in counter-terrorism efforts. Commenting on Pakistan-India relations, Lavrov underscored Russia's consistent support for the normalisation of ties between the two South Asian neighbours, noting that improved relations would contribute to regional stability. The meeting concluded with SAPM Fatemi delivering a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
