Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Independence Day warned India against using water as a pressure tool, declaring that every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line and saying Islamabad would respond if New Delhi did not change course.
Addressing the inauguration of the Monument of Victory, Shehbaz accused India of proving itself an “enemy of peace” by unilaterally and illegally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
He said Pakistan wanted peace but its preference for peaceful relations should not be mistaken for weakness.
“If India does not come to the right path, we will give it a direct response,” the prime minister said, stressing that Pakistan would not compromise on the water issue.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz jointly inaugurated the Monument of Victory, which the premier described as a symbol of national unity, national resolve and the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Shehbaz congratulated the nation on Independence Day and paid tribute to the armed forces, particularly the martyrs and veterans of Operation Haq.
He praised Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership during the operation and also commended the roles of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy leadership.
The prime minister said the outcome of Operation Haq had raised the nation’s confidence and would remain an important chapter in Pakistan’s history.
He said the eight-month construction of the Monument of Victory reflected the armed forces’ resolve and credited Field Marshal Asim Munir’s personal involvement in the project.
Pakistan Wants Peace, Not Conflict
Shehbaz said Pakistan had no desire for new conflicts and wanted disputes to be resolved according to the principles of the United Nations and justice.
He said Pakistan had contributed to efforts aimed at ending the Iran-US conflict and praised Field Marshal Asim Munir’s role in the process.
The prime minister said Pakistan’s objective was to contribute to regional peace and stability while protecting its national interests.
Focus on Economy and Youth
Shehbaz said creating new opportunities for Pakistan’s young population remained a key government priority.
He stressed that economic growth must be connected with modern technology to create sustainable opportunities and prepare the next generation for the changing global economy.
Defence Ties With Saudi Arabia, Turkey
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing defence cooperation with friendly countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
He said Pakistan had signed a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and recently joined Saudi Arabia and Turkey in signing the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, describing it as a development that could contribute to peace and stability in the Muslim world.
Warning to Afghanistan Over Terrorism
Shehbaz said Pakistan wanted peace and stability in Afghanistan but would not accept the use of Afghan territory for terrorism against Pakistan.
He urged the Afghan leadership to prevent its territory from being used as a safe haven by terrorist groups.
Stronger China, US and Muslim World Ties
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s close relationship with China, saying Beijing had consistently supported Pakistan during difficult periods.
He also thanked Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, Azerbaijan and other friendly countries for their support.
Shehbaz praised US President Donald Trump’s role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire and expressed confidence that relations between Islamabad and Washington would strengthen further.
He concluded by calling for national unity, urging Pakistanis to set aside political differences, end hatred and promote brotherhood.
He said the unity demonstrated during conflict must also be maintained during peacetime to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
