Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that the country wanted peace but warned India against testing its resolve over water rights, declaring that every drop of Pakistan’s water was a “red line.”
Speaking at Independence Day celebrations at the Victory Monument in Islamabad, Shehbaz said Pakistan had no desire for war but would not interpret its preference for peace as weakness.
“We want peace, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness,” Shehbaz said, according to remarks released from the event.
He warned that Pakistan would respond directly if India did not return to what he described as the right path.
Shehbaz said Pakistan’s water resources represented a fundamental national interest and issued a strong warning over India’s actions.
“I declare that every single drop of Pakistan’s water is our red line,” he said.
The prime minister also accused India of unilaterally ending the Indus Waters Treaty, without elaborating in his remarks on the legal implications of the move.
Pakistan has repeatedly opposed any unilateral changes to arrangements governing the shared river system and has maintained that its water rights must be protected.
Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian-administered Kashmir, saying Islamabad would continue backing their demand for freedom from what he described as Indian oppression.
He said Pakistan would maintain its position on the Kashmir dispute while pursuing regional stability.
The prime minister also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in what he called Marka-e-Haq and in efforts that contributed to peace in the Middle East.
Shehbaz said the field marshal had demonstrated courage during conflict while also playing a historic role in restoring peace in the region.
The remarks highlighted the government’s emphasis on both military preparedness and diplomatic engagement as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its position in the region.
Shehbaz also called on Afghanistan’s leadership to prevent its territory from being used as a sanctuary for militants.
He described the message as sincere advice and urged Kabul to take steps to ensure that armed groups could not use Afghan soil to threaten neighbouring countries.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over cross-border militancy and called on the Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from operating from their territory.
Turning to Pakistan’s young population, Shehbaz urged the country’s youth to develop skills in artificial intelligence and information technology.
He said technological expertise would be increasingly important for Pakistan’s economic future and encouraged young people to prepare themselves for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The prime minister’s remarks came during Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad, where the government highlighted national security, economic development, technological advancement and regional stability.
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