Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensure his water rights under the swing of Indo’s waters.
Speaking in a tribal jirga in Peshawar, Shehbaz promised to combat threats related to India’s water by increasing the country’s storage capacity, with an approach to collaboration in the provinces of Pakistan.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s right to each drop of water in line with the Indo Water Treaty, and announced plans to store water in key projects such as Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams.
He also requested consultations between the provinces to devise a comprehensive strategy to mitigate India’s threats to Pakistan’s water security.
The tensions between India and Pakistan increased after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, illegally occupied Indians Jammu and Kashmira (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 called an independent investigation.
India intensified the tension when suspending the swing of the Indo waters and closing the border with Wagah-Attari. In retaliation, Pakistan hinted to suspend the 1972 Simla Agreement.
The confrontation intensified from May 6 to 7 when India launched her attack against Pakistan, which became the military clash more seriously among the neighbors in decades. Dozens were killed before diplomacy prevailed and a high fire of the US was announced.
The prime minister praised Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of their tribal leaders.
He assured that any problem facing the province would be discussed and solved in collaboration with the provincial government, local leaders and military officers.
Sharif praised the sacrifices of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the 1947 referendum, and highlighted the continuous support of the province in times of national crisis, including wars with India.
He also referred to people’s collective prayers during the conflicts of 1965 and 1971, which he had played a key role in Pakistan’s victory.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to strengthen his defense and economic position, noting that the country’s response to the provocations of India, especially with respect to the treaty of the Indo’s waters, would now be more strategic and collaborative.
In the light of increasing tensions, Sharif requested urgent measures to improve the country’s water infrastructure and ensure that the rights of the provinces of Pakistan are safeguarding.
