Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to his water rights under the Industry Water Treaty on Tuesday.
Speaking in a tribal jirga in Peshawar, Shehbaz has promised to fight against threats linked to India water by increasing the country’s water storage capacity, emphasizing the collaboration between the provinces of Pakistan.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s law with each drop of water in accordance with the Indus water Treaty and has announced its intention to store water in key projects such as Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams.
He also called for consultations between the provinces to design a complete strategy to mitigate India’s threats to Pakistan water safety.
Tensions between India and Pakistan increased in the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, India illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (iiojk), which left 26 dead. India blamed Pakistan for assault without providing evidence. Islamabad condemned the attack, denied New Delhi’s claims and called for an independent investigation.
India has increased the suspended tension of the industrial waters treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. In retaliation, Pakistan hinted in the suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement.
The confrontation they degenerated from May 6 to 7 when India launched its attack on Pakistan, which has moved away from the most serious military confrontation between neighbors for decades. Dozens were killed before diplomacy prevailed and a ceasefire in mail in the United States was announced.
The Prime Minister praised Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as a vital province which historically supported Pakistan and promised to respond to the concerns of his tribal leaders.
He assured that all the problems encountered 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, in particular during the 1947 referendum, and underlined the continuous support of the province in the event of a national crisis, including the wars with India.
He also referred to the collective prayers of the people during the conflicts of 1965 and 1971, which, according to him, had played a key role in the victory of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to strengthen its defense and economic position, noting that the country’s response to India provocations, in particular with regard to the Industry Water Treaty, would now be more strategic and collaborative.
Given the climbing of tensions, Sharif has called for urgent measures to improve the country’s water infrastructure and ensure that the rights of the provinces of Pakistan are saved.
