Dushanbe/Tajikistan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made it clear that Pakistan won’t compromise on its share of water with India in his address to the International Conference on Glaciers, Preservation-2025 on Friday, Premier Sharif condemned the unilateral decision of India to suspend Indus Waters Treaty which had been in affect ever since 1960, he made Islamabad’s position on the matter clear and stern and remarked that it won’t allow India to cross the red line.
PM Sharif emphasized that the developed countries should fulfill their climate-related financial commitments without any further delay. He highlighted the urgent need for sufficient funding to build climate-resilient infrastructure. He said investments are pivotal for the making of early warning systems and disaster preparedness, and management.
PM Sharif highlighted the need for preserving glaciers to ensure the well-being of people and sustain the environment. He emphasized that Pakistan is home to one of the most extensive glaciated regions outside of the Polar Region.
He mentioned the positive effects of glaciers on the Indus River System, as they help contribute to the annual flow of water. He said that the sustainability of the five great rivers that shape the geographical landscape of Pakistan: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, is completely dependent upon the stability of the glacial system, which makes Pakistan one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
Prime Minister Sharif stated that Pakistan has experienced the negative impacts of glacial melt caused by climate change. He referred to the devastating floods of 2022, which affected over 33 million people and left significant damage to the infrastructure. He emphasized that Pakistan has the most at stake in preserving glaciers as compared to any other country.
Furthermore, he said that India stooped too low after its weaponization of water and the unilateral and illegal decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty. He added that millions of lives must not be held hostage for mere political gains.
