Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a forceful warning to India regarding its persistent threats and aggressive posture concerning the region’s water resources. He vowed that Pakistan would respond with full national unity and strength to safeguard its rights under international agreements.
During a high-level meeting focused on Pakistan’s water security, Prime Minister Shehbaz characterized India’s stance on the water issue as a continuation of its arrogance and a hegemonic mindset. He declared, “Just like the Marka-e-Haq, we will respond to India’s water aggression — and Pakistan will emerge victorious,” emphasizing the right to water security as a “collective national challenge.”
The emergency meeting, attended by the chief ministers of all four provinces, the prime ministers of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, along with key federal ministers, aimed to formulate a comprehensive national action plan to protect Pakistan’s water resources amidst India’s escalating hostilities.
A statement confirmed, “All leaders in the meeting unanimously condemned India’s aggressive water policy.”
The premier affirmed that India has threatened to cut off Pakistan’s water supply, an action he asserts violates both the spirit and letter of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which grants Pakistan rights over three western rivers. However, he claimed that India’s threats have been universally rejected. He strongly condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, labeling it an act of “water aggression.”
“India is attempting to build a narrative regarding the water-sharing agreement, but no one in the world has accepted it,” Shehbaz stated. “All of India’s diplomatic efforts have failed miserably. Even its attempt to lobby for a three-day delay in the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) agenda was unsuccessful.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the national priority of constructing new water reservoirs, urging both the federation and provinces to collaborate. He stated, “Construction of non-disputed water reservoirs must be completed on a fast track,” while assuring that new dams would only be built with the consensus of all provinces.
High-Level Committee Established
To advance this plan, a high-powered committee has been formed under Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. This committee will evaluate funding strategies for dam construction and comprises all five chief ministers, the AJK prime minister, and relevant federal ministers.
The prime minister has directed the committee to present its recommendations within 72 hours.
Progress on Key Dam Projects
A detailed briefing during the meeting provided updates on ongoing major dam projects:
- The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a crucial reservoir in the north, is currently under construction and is projected for completion by 2032.
- The Mohmand Dam is progressing steadily, with its completion anticipated by 2027.
- Pakistan currently possesses 11 major dams with a cumulative storage capacity of 15.318 million acre-feet.
- Thirty-two dams are under construction through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), while an additional 79 dams are being built under the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
He attributed recent international developments and diplomatic support as a “historic victory” for Pakistan in its water rights dispute. “The amount of gratitude to Allah for this victory is still not enough,” he stated. However, he cautioned that despite facing defeat in the recent conflict, India continues to issue threats, which Pakistan will confront with “full force and unity.”
“Securing the water needs of 240 million Pakistanis is our duty,” the prime minister declared, adding that the people of Pakistan stand with the armed forces “like a lead wall.” He insisted, “We will have to make decisions against the challenges together.”
He emphasized that India’s aggression on water resources transcends a mere diplomatic dispute; it is a matter of survival for Pakistan’s burgeoning population and agricultural economy. “We must prepare ourselves to confront India, politically, diplomatically, and if necessary, otherwise,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz urged for unity and joint decision-making at all levels to navigate this crisis. “We will jointly destroy India’s arrogance and conceit. This is not a one-man fight—it’s the fight of every Pakistani,” he asserted.
The meeting concluded with a call to formulate a coordinated national response, encompassing legal, diplomatic, and strategic measures to defend Pakistan’s share of water and ensure long-term sustainability. “Pakistan’s response will be through strength, strategy, and solidarity,” PM Shehbaz affirmed.
