India can't turn off the tap, warns PM

Express Tribune

15 hours ago

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. PHOTO: ONLINE
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states to deepen collaboration in response to the pressing regional and global challenges, particularly climate change and geopolitical instability.
Addressing the 17th ECO summit, the prime minister underscored the urgent need for collective action as ECO member states struggle with the severe consequences of climate change, from melting glaciers and desertification to extreme weather events and declining agricultural productivity.
"These challenges threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions. Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change," he said, recalling the catastrophic 2022 floods that displaced over 33 million people in Pakistan.
The prime minister also drew attention to what he called the "weaponization of water" by India, referencing New Delhi's violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and the recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
"This violation is completely unacceptable. Indus waters are a lifeline for Pakistan's 240 million people. India's actions amount to aggression."
He categorically said that under no circumstances, India could not be allowed to pursue this dangerous path that will amount to an act of aggression against people of Pakistan.
Just last week, he said several lives were tragically lost in the affected districts of Pakistan. "Pakistan on its part has undertaken a series of climate related policy initiatives and is aggressively pursuing of 4F plans focusing on resilience, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction," he added.
The prime minister said in this regard Pakistan proposed the development of low emissions corridors and regional disaster resilience system.
"A dedicated framework to mobilize climate finance along with regional clean energy corridors and eco-tourism initiatives can further drive inclusive sustainable growth creating green jobs, especially for youth and women and supporting livelihoods," he said.
Condemning the Israel's recent strike on Iran, the prime minister called it "unlawful, unjustified and uncalled for," and expressed deep condolences to the Iranian people.
"Pakistan strongly condemns this act of Israeli aggression We pray for a speedy recovery of our injured brothers and sisters in Iran."
Furthermore, he said the unprovoked and reckless Indian hostility directed towards Pakistan after an unfortunate incident in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was yet another attempt to destabilize regional peace.
"The world witnessed the steadfast resolve of our valiant armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir," the prime minister said.
He also appreciated the support and solidarity extended to Pakistan by the brotherly ECO members states in the aftermath of Indian aggression earlier this year.
He strongly condemned the Israel's barbarism in Gaza saying, "Pakistan stands firmly against those who perpetrated barbaric act against innocent people anywhere in the world whether in Gaza or IIOJK or Iran".
On the economic front, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to operationalize long-pending agreements under ECO Vision 2025, especially the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and transport corridors, connecting member states. He referenced ECO's origins as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), a partnership between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1960s, as a historic blueprint for present-day integration.
"Promotion of trade and investment is key to achieving common goals of regional connectivity, energy security, and economic growth."
The prime minister thanked ECO member states for designating Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, inviting all delegates to experience Pakistan's rich cultural heritage.
"Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, will enthrall all who visit us. We extend a warm invitation to all member states."
Turkish President
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi and discussed matters of mutual interest.
The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional developments.
The two leaders reiterated their resolve and commitment to bringing about a meaningful progress in relations between the two countries, in all important sectors. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in trade, defense, energy, connectivity, and investment sectors.
To this end, the two countries agreed to exchange high level delegations so as to ensure early finalization of the understandings reached between the two leaders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to working closely with Turkiye in advancing their shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development throughout the region.
Iran president
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian wherein he reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Iran.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi city of Azerbaijan, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to continue working closely with Iran for peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation across all areas and expressed satisfaction over the progress made on decisions taken during their last meeting for further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran relations.
The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation in the wake of the Israel's illegitimate aggression against Iran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated President Pezeshkian's leadership and lauded Iran's decision to reach a ceasefire during recent crisis.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's strong diplomatic support to Iran, including at the international forums, during the crisis and thanked him for Pakistan's vital role in de-escalating the conflict.
The prime minister requested the Iranian President to convey his warm greetings and good wishes to Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei.
Azerbaijan president
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fields of trade and investment while expressing satisfaction over the progress made regarding the investment prospects.
Both leaders reiterated their resolve to strengthen the economic partnership, especially Azerbaijan's investment in Pakistan.
The prime minister is visiting Azerbaijan to lead Pakistan's delegation in the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, held on 3-4 July, 2025.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a productive bilateral meeting with the President of Azerbaijan where he congratulated him for hosting the 17th ECO Summit in an exemplary manner.
The prime minister also conveyed his gratitude to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his recent visit to Lachin, Azerbaijan, from May 27-29, 2025.
The prime minister thanked President Ilham on Azerbaijan's steadfast support extended to Pakistan during the recent conflict with India. He stated that Pakistan had also extended consistent support to Azerbaijan in challenging times.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the recent interactions between the leadership of both countries had helped in making the relationship ever stronger. He also reiterated his invitation to President Ilham to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.