PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to Indus Waters Treaty on world water reserves day

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that the protection of water reservoirs is essential for Pakistan’s national interest, environmental stability, and social welfare, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the fair and complete implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

In his message on World Water Reserves Day, the Prime Minister said the occasion provides an opportunity for Pakistan and the global community to renew their commitment to the sustainable conservation and effective management of water resources.

He emphasized that safeguarding water reserves is not only an environmental duty in the face of climate change but also a key factor in ensuring social well-being at both individual and collective levels.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan believes in full compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in accordance with international law and strongly rejects any attempt to use water as a weapon, terming it a serious violation of global norms.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Water Reserves and Traditional Knowledge: Preserving Cultural Heritage,” he said it highlights the cultural significance of water resources and their deep-rooted connection with human civilization.

The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan is a signatory to the 1971 Convention on Wetlands, which promotes the sustainable use and conservation of water resources for humanity. He said reliable water reserves play a vital role in tackling environmental and economic challenges, including droughts, floods, and extreme climate events.

PM vows to defend Pakistan's right to water as provided under IWT

He further said that Pakistan’s water ecosystems - including lakes, glaciers, inland waters, coastal areas, and mangroves - are crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience, and efficient water management.

Highlighting their socio-economic importance, the Prime Minister said millions of Pakistanis depend on water reserves for their livelihoods, warning that their depletion could lead to job losses, rising food prices, and increased risks of floods and droughts.

He urged collective action to protect water reserves as valuable national, environmental, social, and cultural assets, adding that Pakistan will continue to advocate globally for the fair, lawful, and peaceful use of shared water resources