No compromise on Pakistan’s water: PM Shahbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again clarified Pakistan’s position on the water dispute with India, saying that there will be no compromise on the country’s water interests. He said that Pakistan does not want war but wants peace and stability in the region; however, the desire for peace should not be considered weakness.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Victory Monument on the occasion of Independence Day in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan will continue to play its role for stability in the region. He congratulated the nation and the armed forces on the victory in the battle for justice and said that the country demonstrated national unity in difficult times.

Terming the water issue as a fundamental national interest for Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif said that the country’s water-related rights and interests will be considered a red line. He warned that if India does not reconsider its behaviour, Pakistan reserves the right to respond to protect its security and national interests.

The Prime Minister also clarified that Islamabad does not want any new war in the region. According to him, Pakistan’s priority is peace, stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts, but the country’s sovereignty and fundamental interests cannot be ignored for this purpose.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister described the Victory Monument as a symbol of the resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces and the nation. He congratulated the relevant authorities and military leadership on the completion of the monument and said that providing a better future and development opportunities to the new generation is one of the government’s top priorities.

In his address, Shehbaz Sharif also mentioned the ongoing conflicts outside the region. He said that Pakistan supports peace and diplomatic efforts at the global level and will continue to try to play its role to reduce tensions between different parties.

Referring to Pakistan-US relations, the Prime Minister also thanked US President Donald Trump and said that the US role in the ceasefire during the Pakistan-India tension was noteworthy. According to him, the ceasefire helped avoid further casualties, and he hopes to further strengthen relations with Washington in the future.

Talking about the situation in the Middle East, he also mentioned Turkey’s accession to the Mecca Defence Treaty and termed it a significant development in the context of peace and security in the region. The Prime Minister also reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the rights of the Palestinian people and its firm stand on the Kashmir issue.

Regarding Afghanistan, Shehbaz Sharif urged the Afghan authorities not to allow their soil to be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. He said that for regional peace, it is necessary for all countries to take each other’s security concerns seriously.

Stressing the need for national unity at the domestic level as well, the Prime Minister said that political differences should not turn into hostility. According to him, the strength of the country is linked to national unity, and all citizens of Pakistan are equal partners in the country’s development and stability.