PM to India: no compromise on our water share
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday warned India against choking Pakistan's share of Indus River waters, vowing that not 'a single drop' would be allowed to be stolen.
Declaring water the nation's lifeblood, he vowed a decisive response to any attempt to cut the flow amid escalating tensions over New Delhi's move to put the Indus Waters Treaty 'in abeyance', a step Islamabad has condemned as an act of war.
'I want to tell the enemy today that if you threaten to hold our water, then keep this in mind that you cannot snatch even one drop from Pakistan,' he said while speaking at a ceremony in the capital on the occasion of International Youth Day.
'You threaten to stop our water. If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget," he added.
Terming water the lifeblood of the nation, the premier asserted there would be 'no compromise' on Pakistan's rights under international accords. He added that a 'new Pakistan' had emerged after the armed forces dealt India a setback on May 10, when the Pakistan Air Force downed six Indian fighter jets, a historic moment for the nation.
The premier's remarks came amid India's warning to dry out Pakistan, waging a 'hydel war' against the country. In April, New Delhi announced that it was placing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 'in abeyance' following an attack in Pahalgam, in occupied Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives — an incident the Modi-led government, without providing evidence, attributed to Islamabad.
Pakistan condemned any move to halt its allocated water flow as an 'act of war', stressing that the IWT contains no clause allowing unilateral suspension. It later signalled the possibility of taking the matter to court, alleging the move breached the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
In June, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, through a supplemental award, ruled that India had no authority to unilaterally suspend the treaty. India, for its part, rejected the court's jurisdiction and refused to accept its rulings.
On Monday, the PCA issued an 'Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the IWT' in the Indus Waters case, making clear that India is obliged to 'let flow' the waters of the western rivers for Pakistan's 'unrestricted use'.
During his address on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz also announced that 100,000 laptops would be distributed to students on an interest-free and merit-only basis. 'This government believes in transparency and merit, and we will ensure both in the distribution process,' he said.
Stressing that the torch of the nation's future was in the hands of its youth, the premier reaffirmed his government's resolve to empower young people through education and technology.
He also congratulated the nation ahead of Independence Day and lauded the role of minorities and all segments of society in Pakistan's creation and progress.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government was taking 'effective measures' for the protection of minorities. 'All citizens have equal rights as per the Constitution,' he said, adding that a 5% quota in jobs had been set for minorities to ensure representation and promote interfaith harmony.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani stressed that Islam respects all religions and that the Constitution safeguards the rights of all citizens.
'The prime minister is taking the country forward in line with the vision of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,' he said.
Chairman PM Youth Program Rana Mashhood Khan recalled that Pakistan's first youth policy was introduced in 2011 by then–chief minister Shehbaz Sharif. Laptops, soft loans and scholarships were provided to talented students, while the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund – now expanded to the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund – was launched to benefit students nationwide. 'Every child in Pakistan can benefit from this initiative,' he said.
Solar power push in G-B
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz chaired a review meeting following ECNEC's approval of a 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan. He directed that the project be completed within a year, pledging to personally monitor its progress.
The premier said the initiative would be given top priority to provide uninterrupted, low-cost, and environmentally friendly electricity to the region, which suffers from load-shedding of up to 20 hours a day.
'All infrastructure for the project must be climate-resilient,' he ordered, adding that transparency would be ensured at every stage.
The federal government will bear the entire cost of the project, which will see six solar parks in Gilgit, eight in Skardu, and six in Diamer. Solar installations will be fitted on 234 buildings in Gilgit, 179 in Skardu and 68 in Diamer.
Battery storage for backup supply and a real-time monitoring system will be part of the scheme, which will adhere to international standards.
Calling solarisation the silver bullet for the region's energy crisis, he said integrating renewable energy into the national grid was vital to counter climate change. 'Lighting up Gilgit-Baltistan is not just an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for its people,' he added.
He also directed that hydel and solar generation in the region be planned to ensure an uninterrupted supply during extreme weather.
The steering committee will be chaired by Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, with Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Ahad Khan Cheema, PM's Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, renewable energy expert Dr Gerwin Dreesmann and senior officials in attendance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz calls for fast-tracking of Islamabad Technology Park project
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited the under-construction Technology Park in Islamabad and expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work, directing authorities to expedite the construction process and ensure its completion within the originally stipulated timeframe. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the premier underscored the strategic importance of the project for Pakistan's economic and technological development. He stressed that the facility must meet international standards, both in infrastructure and services, in order to fulfill its intended role in advancing the country's digital economy. 'All stakeholders must accelerate their efforts to complete the Technology Park at the earliest,' PM Shehbaz said during the visit. 'This project is critical to the growth of Pakistan's IT sector, the creation of jobs for our youth, and the overall progress of the national economy.' Also Read: Explainer: Is Pakistan celebrating its 78th or 79th Independence Day? Officials briefed the prime minister on the scope and features of the project. The facility comprises two basement levels, a ground floor, and nine upper floors. It is designed to house office spaces, an incubation center, a business support center, research and development laboratories, a Level III data center, and an auditorium. Provision has also been made for parking space accommodating up to 1,200 vehicles. During the briefing, it was emphasized that the Technology Park is expected to play a key role in creating employment opportunities for the country's youth, boosting Pakistan's global competitiveness in the IT sector, and contributing to sustainable economic growth. The project also aims to bridge the digital divide and provide a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research. The premier reiterated his government's commitment to supporting the tech industry and urged for strict adherence to timelines. He called for enhanced coordination among all concerned departments and directed that regular progress reports be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office. 'There is no room for delays in such nationally significant projects,' he said. 'We are investing in Pakistan's future. A state-of-the-art Technology Park will not only attract foreign investment but also help harness the potential of our talented youth.'
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
India wants US ties based on mutual respect, says its arms purchases are on course
NEW DELHI: India said on Thursday that it hoped relations with the United States would move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests, seeking to temper worries that ties were headed downhill in the aftermath of high tariffs imposed by Washington. A U.S. defence policy team will be in New Delhi this month for talks with Indian officials and its arms purchases from the U.S. are on course despite the strain in ties, the Indian foreign ministry said. A new friendship built between the two countries has hit a rough patch after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last week from an earlier 25% saying it was a penalty for India's continued imports of Russian oil. New Delhi has accused the U.S. of double standards in singling it out for Russian oil imports and called the tariffs unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. At the same time, it has also indicated that the warming of ties that began at the turn of the century covers a wide range of areas and should not be seen only through the prism of trade, although it hopes that trade talks will continue and result in a deal. Ties with Pakistan, India remain unchanged: US 'This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges…and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests,' Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a regular media briefing. Purchases of military equipment from Washington were on course, Jaiswal said, adding that a U.S. defence policy team was expected in Delhi this month. Reuters reported last week that India has put on hold its plans to procure new U.S. weapons and aircraft and that a planned trip to Washington by the Indian defence minister had been cancelled. The Indian government subsequently said reports of a pause in the talks were wrong.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Value freedom – for it was not earned lightly
Freedom is a priceless blessing, one that Pakistan did not receive easily. The journey from the creation of Pakistan to the completion of its vision was paved with countless, timeless sacrifices. The sacrifices made by Pakistanis at the time of its inception remain almost unparalleled in the world. Pakistan is perhaps the only country established primarily for the Muslims living in the subcontinent. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a homeland where Muslims could freely practice their religion. This vision, shared by Allama Iqbal and other dedicated leaders, became a reality through relentless struggle and day-and-night efforts. At the time of independence, thousands migrated from India to Pakistan, often without a roof over their heads. Despite dire financial constraints, the leadership of the newly born country resolved to prove to the world that Pakistan could stand on its own feet. The economic challenges of those early days can be read in history books, but only the leadership of that time truly experienced their severity. Pakistan's birth was marked by some of the most difficult and testing circumstances imaginable, yet the nation persevered and steadily built its foundations. After the year 2000, Pakistan faced another grave challenge — the rise of terrorism. In its fight against terrorism, Pakistan has made over 80,000 sacrifices, making it one of the few countries in the world to have paid such a heavy price. These sacrifices have been acknowledged internationally, including by the United States, as Pakistan waged large-scale counter-terrorism operations with its own resources. Even today, Pakistan continues this fight, with its brave sons laying down their lives for the motherland. The resilience of their mothers is worthy of the highest respect. For the past 78 years, Pakistanis have celebrated Independence Day with great passion, but this year holds even greater joy. Recently, Pakistan's valiant armed forces inflicted a humiliating defeat on their traditional adversary — an enemy five times larger in size. This victory has left India diplomatically isolated, while stories of Pakistan's bravery and military excellence are being told across the world. In this war, the Pakistan Air Force's achievements have become case studies for many foreign militaries. Following the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Independence Day celebrations began across Punjab from the 1st of August and continue with full vigor. As part of these celebrations, the Punjab Information and Culture Department organized a grand 'Independence Day & Battle of Truth' musical concert at the Alhamra Cultural Complex, Lahore. The event was remarkable for its beautifully arranged setting. Visitors were welcomed with displays highlighting Maryam Nawaz's welfare initiatives, and a green carpet was rolled out for guests. Inside, a grand stage with towering LED screens showcased historic visuals — from the struggles of Pakistan's creation, through its development journey, to the recent success of Operation Baniyan-ul-Mursoos. The concert began with a live performance of the national anthem, played on various musical instruments, receiving thunderous applause. Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that this year's Independence Day celebrations were unlike any before because of Pakistan's recent victory over India. She urged the youth to value freedom, reminding them of the sacrifices of their forefathers for independence and the continued sacrifices of Pakistan's armed forces to safeguard it. She stressed that freedom is a divine gift, the worth of which could best be understood by the oppressed people of Indian-occupied Kashmir and Gaza. Following her address, the musical performances began. Renowned artists Shai Gul, Bilal Saeed, and Sajjad Ali performed patriotic songs and anthems, electrifying the audience. The venue resounded with chants of Pakistan Zindabad and Pak Army Zindabad. More than 5,000 citizens attended, proving that Pakistanis are a vibrant nation that cherishes its independence and stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces. The audience also witnessed rare footage of the Pakistan Air Force shooting down six enemy aircraft during the recent conflict, reinforcing its status as one of the finest air forces in the world — capable of delivering a swift and decisive response to any aggression. Prominent figures, including Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Minister for Industry and Commerce Shafay Hussain, Special Assistant Salma Butt, MPA Bibi Wadheri, Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed, and DGPR Ghulam Saghir Shahid, attended the event, congratulating Minister Azma Bokhari for organizing such a memorable celebration. The youth in attendance expressed their appreciation for such government-led initiatives, stressing the need for similar events at national festivals to provide healthy entertainment and foster patriotism. The joy on their faces reflected the importance of such cultural activities in keeping them engaged and safe from negative influences, empowering them to play their role in Pakistan's progress. Pakistan's story — from its birth in hardship to its modern-day victories — is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit. And as the green and white flag waves high, the message remains clear: Freedom is a blessing that must be protected, cherished, and honoured — always. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
