In Brief
- Water as a 'Red Line': Describing access to the Indus river basin as vital to national security and agriculture, Sharif asserted that any threat to Pakistan’s water supply would be met with a direct response.
- Peace vs. Weakness: Stated Pakistan advocates for regional peace, but its stance must not be taken as weakness.
- Treaty Suspension Backlash: Condemned India's unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a warning to India regarding New Delhi's decision to place the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Sharif cautioned against any measures that could disrupt Pakistan’s water allocation, declaring access to the shared rivers a critical issue for the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Pakistani premier emphasized that access to the Indus River basin remains vital to the nation's security and agricultural needs.
"I declare in clear terms that every single drop of Pakistan's water is our red line. If India does not come to its senses, it will be responded to directly," Sharif stated.
While projecting Pakistan as an advocate for regional stability, Sharif maintained that Islamabad's pursuit of peace should not be misinterpreted as vulnerability. He reiterated that any perceived infringement on Pakistan's sovereignty would invite a firm countermeasure.
