'Indus basin lifeblood of people of Pakistan'; Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warns India

WASHINGTON: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Donald Trump for his timely intervention during the military tensions between India and Pakistan that followed 'Operation Sindoor'. Sharif warned that any attempt by India to block or divert the water due to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war. He made these remarks while addressing the United Nations General Assembly. Shehbaz Sharif also emphasised the need for a just and impartial resolution to the Kashmir dispute.

Shehbaz Sharif

“Donald Trump's timely intervention came at a moment when two nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of all-out war. Who knows what level of devastation might have ensued had Trump not intervened at that critical juncture with clarity of thought and action? Therefore, we must ensure that South Asia never again finds itself in such a perilous situation.

A year ago, an attack was launched against Pakistan from India based on fabricated pretexts. Under the courageous leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, our armed forces responded with precision and professionalism.

The waters of the Indus basin are the lifeblood not only of the people of Pakistan but of the entire region. India's unilateral decision has no legal basis whatsoever. Water should never be used as a weapon. Any attempt to withhold or divert Pakistan's share of water will be considered an act of war. India should harbour no misconceptions about this. Experts at the United Nations and the Court of Arbitration have upheld Pakistan's position that the treaty remains valid and fully in force."