Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to securing its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Speaking at a tribal jirga in Peshawar, Shehbaz vowed to combat India’s water-related threats by increasing the country’s water storage capacity, with a focus on collaboration across Pakistan’s provinces.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s right to every drop of water in line with the Indus Water Treaty, and announced plans to store water in key projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams.
He also called for consultations among the provinces to devise a comprehensive strategy to mitigate India’s threats to Pakistan’s water security.
Tensions between India and Pakistan rose in the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. India blamed Pakistan for the assault without providing evidence. Islamabad condemned the attack, denied New Delhi’s claims and callied for an independent probe.
India escalated tension by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. In retaliation, Pakistan hinted at suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement.
The confrontation them escalated on May 6–7 as India launched its attack against Pakistan, that spiralled into the gravest military clash between the neighbors in decades. Dozens were killed before diplomacy prevailed and a US-brokered ceasefire was announced.
The prime minister hailed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of its tribal leaders.
He assured that any issues faced by the province would be discussed and resolved in collaboration with the provincial government, local leaders, and military officials.
Sharif praised the sacrifices of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the 1947 referendum, and highlighted the province’s continued support in times of national crisis, including the wars with India.
He also referred to the collective prayers of the people during the 1965 and 1971 conflicts, which he said had played a key role in Pakistan’s victory.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to strengthen its defence and economic position, noting that the country’s response to India’s provocations, especially regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, would now be more strategic and collaborative.
In light of escalating tensions, Sharif called for urgent measures to enhance the country’s water infrastructure and ensure that the rights of Pakistan’s provinces are safeguarded.
