Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan would consider any attempt to block its water an act of war. He described water security as a national red line while rejecting India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He made these remarks during a ceremony marking agreements between Pakistan and the Maldives in Islamabad.
The prime minister said international agreements required all countries to honour their commitments. He called India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally unacceptable. Sharif reiterated that Pakistan would not accept efforts to stop or restrict its water supply. His comments highlighted the importance of water security in Pakistan’s relations with India.
The remarks came during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan. Both countries exchanged memorandums of understanding covering several areas of cooperation. Sharif said bilateral relations had strengthened through collaboration in trade, economic affairs and defence. He also highlighted educational and healthcare links between the two countries.
According to the prime minister, many Maldivian students attend educational institutions in Pakistan. Pakistani doctors and allied healthcare professionals also provide services in the Maldives. Sharif said Pakistan would welcome opportunities to meet the Maldives’ additional needs. He described the Maldives as a brotherly country and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation.
Sharif also addressed the Palestinian issue during the event. He said Pakistan would continue supporting an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. He noted that the Maldives also supported the Palestinian cause. Both countries have expressed support for closer cooperation across several diplomatic and economic areas.
Read more: PM Shehbaz warns India over Pakistan’s water
President Muizzu said Pakistan and the Maldives had maintained diplomatic relations for 60 years. He expressed interest in expanding cooperation in education, healthcare and trade. He also highlighted the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum as an opportunity to explore new commercial partnerships. The forum aims to encourage stronger economic engagement between businesses from both countries.
Muizzu further stressed the importance of youth exchanges and modern technologies. He identified artificial intelligence and digitalisation as important areas for future cooperation. Meanwhile, Sharif’s remarks placed water security at the centre of Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty. He maintained that protecting Pakistan’s water supply remained a firm national priority.