Water Must Never Be Weaponised: Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said water should not be used as a tool for political pressure, stressing that it is vital for the people of the region and future generations. He made the remarks while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday (September 1).

Mr. Shahbaz said international agreements must be implemented fully according to their original purpose and terms. He said disputes over shared water resources should be resolved through international law and established mechanisms. “Water is the lifeblood of our region and the life assurance of future generations,” Mr. Shahbaz said. He added that South Asia cannot achieve its full potential without sustainable peace and regional cooperation.

His remarks came amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan has repeatedly opposed the use of shared water resources as a means of political pressure. Mr. Shahbaz also mentioned that Pakistan had been making diplomatic attempts to deescalate regional tensions such as the agreement signed with Turkey and Saudi Arabia in Mecca. He said the agreement was not directed against any particular country and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution.

He claimed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts contributed to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as an important step towards easing regional tensions. The Pakistani prime minister also stressed the importance of international law, secure energy corridors and stronger regional cooperation. He said recent crises had shown that regional coordination was no longer an option but a strategic necessity, and described the SCO as an important platform for global peace and stability.

Source: Sama TV