Pakistan Will Neither Compromise on Its Water Share Nor Allow India to Cross Red Line: PM Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Will Neither Compromise on Its Water Share Nor Allow India to Cross Red Line: PM Shehbaz Sharif
DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif declared the protection of glaciers as critically important for Pakistan, stating that the country’s water supply heavily depends on them. He warned that due to the effects of climate change, Pakistan’s glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and urged developed nations to fulfill their responsibilities in addressing environmental challenges.
Speaking at the International Conference on Glacier Conservation (IGCP 2025) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Tuesday, the prime minister emphasized that Pakistan will neither compromise on its rightful water share nor allow India to cross the red line. He congratulated the Tajik president for hosting a comprehensive dialogue on glacier preservation and its challenges.
PM Sharif highlighted that Pakistan is home to the largest glacier concentration outside the polar regions, with 13,000 glaciers. He stressed that glacier conservation is vital for the nation, as half of Pakistan’s water supply comes from these glaciers. The Indus River System, he said, is the country’s lifeline, sustaining its civilization, culture, and economy. The water in Pakistan’s five major rivers is directly dependent on glaciers, which are now rapidly receding due to climate change.
Recalling the devastating 2022 floods caused by climate-induced extreme weather, the prime minister noted that millions of acres of crops were destroyed, thousands of homes were wiped out, and infrastructure suffered severe damage. Despite Pakistan contributing less than 0.5% of global toxic emissions, it remains among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change.
The prime minister warned that ecosystems are also being disrupted due to environmental shifts and called on developed nations to take urgent, practical steps to combat climate challenges. He urged increased investment in early warning systems and disaster management in developing countries, as future climate-related devastation remains a looming threat.
PM Sharif also criticized India for unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty for its narrow political interests, calling the move condemnable. He asserted that water is being weaponized and vowed that Pakistan would firmly safeguard its water rights.
The prime minister concluded by stressing that glacier preservation must be ensured at all costs.
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