Pakistan will respond if India threatens water rights: PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan will not compromise on its water rights, describing every drop of the country’s water as a “red line” and cautioning India against any move that threatens Pakistan’s sovereignty, security or access to water.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad following the inauguration of a monument commemorating Pakistan’s recent military success, the prime minister said India had demonstrated its disregard for regional peace by unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
He said Pakistan desired peace and stability in the region but would not interpret its commitment to peace as a sign of weakness.
“Pakistan stands for peace with honour and dignity,” the prime minister said, adding that the country had emerged as a factor of stability in the region.
Referring to the military confrontation with India in May 2025, Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their role and said the country’s response had demonstrated Pakistan’s determination to defend its territorial integrity and national interests.
The prime minister specifically commended Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership, while also highlighting the contributions of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy under their respective chiefs.
He said the performance of the armed forces during the conflict had become a lasting part of the country’s history and represented a victory not only for the military but for the entire Pakistani nation.
“This victory belongs to the people of Pakistan and its armed forces,” he said, describing the achievement as a source of national pride.
Shehbaz Sharif maintained that Pakistan did not seek confrontation with any country. However, he stressed that Islamabad would respond firmly if its sovereignty or security were challenged in the future.
He said the events of May 2025 had sent a clear message to the international community about Pakistan’s military capabilities and national resolve.
According to the prime minister, the conflict had significantly strengthened Pakistan’s standing and demonstrated that any attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty would carry serious consequences.
Turning specifically to the water dispute, Shehbaz Sharif criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the move unilateral and unlawful.
He warned that Pakistan’s water resources could not be treated as a bargaining tool and said Islamabad would defend its water interests.
“Every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line,” the prime minister declared, warning that if India failed to reconsider its position, Pakistan would respond directly.
The prime minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with water rights emerging as a particularly sensitive issue alongside longstanding disputes over security and regional stability.
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan preferred dialogue and peace but would remain prepared to protect its national interests. He said the country’s policy was based on maintaining peace without compromising dignity, sovereignty or security.
He further said the lessons of the May 2025 confrontation should not be forgotten and warned that any future miscalculation against Pakistan would invite a stronger response.
