PM Shehbaz Warns India: Pakistan’s Water Is a Red Line
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned India that Pakistan will not compromise on its water resources, declaring that “every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line” and that Islamabad will respond if New Delhi fails to return to what he described as the right path.
Addressing a ceremony marking the inauguration of the Victory Monument on Independence Day, the prime minister said Pakistan desired peace but cautioned that its peaceful approach should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Pakistan stands for peace with honour and dignity,” Shehbaz Sharif said, stressing that the country would continue working for regional stability while safeguarding its national interests.
The prime minister congratulated the nation on Independence Day and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the country’s founding generation. He said the Victory Monument symbolised national resolve, courage and the capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the nation on what he described as a major victory in the recent “Battle of Truth” and praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership. He said the completion of the monument within eight months reflected the field marshal’s personal interest and represented national unity.
On water security, the prime minister issued a strong warning, saying Pakistan would make no compromise over its water resources.
He said that if India did not correct its course, Pakistan would respond, adding that the adversary would remember the outcome of the recent conflict.
The prime minister said providing new opportunities for the younger generation remained a key government priority. He described Pakistan as increasingly becoming a symbol of stability in the region and said Islamabad wanted to help prevent the emergence of new conflicts.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic role in efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States, saying Field Marshal Asim Munir’s role in the process would be remembered.
He further referred to Pakistan’s defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the recently signed trilateral defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah, describing it as a message of peace and a step toward greater stability in the Muslim world.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and said Islamabad would continue providing moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan would continue pursuing peace and stability while protecting its national interests, sovereignty, security and water resources.
Key Takeaways:
- PM Shehbaz Sharif declared Pakistan’s water resources a red line.
- He warned India of a response if it failed to change course.
- The prime minister said Pakistan wanted peace but not at the cost of its dignity or security.
- He praised the armed forces and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
- Pakistan’s support for Palestine and Kashmir was reaffirmed.