Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday issued a sharp warning to India against any move to block Pakistan’s share of Indus River water, vowing a decisive response to any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Speaking at an International Youth Day event in Islamabad, he declared, “You threaten to stop our water. If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget… you cannot snatch even one drop from Pakistan.”
The warning follows India’s decision in April to place the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan has rejected the allegation, terming any suspension of its water share an “act of war.” Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has also condemned the move, calling it an attack on the Indus Valley civilisation and warning that the entire nation would unite in defence of its waters.
Shehbaz cited Pakistan’s past military response, claiming the air force had shot down six Indian jets — including four Rafales — during the May conflict. He stressed that Pakistan’s resolve in such matters would leave India “holding its ears” in regret.
The dispute has been playing out in international forums. In June, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled India could not unilaterally suspend the treaty, a decision India has rejected. A fresh PCA award this week reinforced that India must generally “let flow” the waters of the western rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use.
Addressing other topics, the prime minister praised the role of Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Parsi communities in Pakistan’s founding and development. He also announced the distribution of 100,000 laptops to high-achieving students across the country, urging the youth to lead Pakistan’s progress.