Unilateral Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty is Water Aggression by India, PM Shehbaz Warns

Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday strongly condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international agreements and an act of “water aggression.” He vowed a strong and calculated response under the decisions taken by the National Security Committee on April 24.
Chairing a high-level meeting on water resource management at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz declared that just like Pakistan has stood firm in battles of truth, it will also respond to India’s water aggression with determination.
“All federal entities and provinces must work together to build new water reservoirs in Pakistan,” he emphasized, adding that non-controversial water storage projects will be prioritized and implemented with national consensus.
The meeting saw detailed discussions on strategies for constructing new dams to ensure long-term water security. Prime ministers and chief ministers from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) voiced unanimous condemnation of India’s actions and reaffirmed their support for the federal government.
PM Shehbaz also announced the formation of a committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, to evaluate financing strategies for new dams. The committee includes the chief ministers of all provinces, the PM of AJK, and relevant federal ministers. It has been instructed to submit its report within 72 hours.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that the construction of the Diamer Bhasha Dam is underway and expected to be completed by 2032, while the Mohmand Dam is likely to be finished by 2027. Pakistan currently has 11 operational dams with a combined storage capacity of 15.318 million acre-feet. Additionally, 32 dams are under construction under the PSDP, and 79 are being built under the Annual Development Programme.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, among others.
In a separate message on the occasion of World Environment Day, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global efforts for environmental protection and sustainable development. Highlighting this year’s theme — “Beat Plastic Pollution” — he stressed the urgent need to combat plastic waste, which poses a severe threat to ecosystems and marine life.
“Plastic pollution is not only damaging rivers and oceans but endangering our economy and the future of our children. Real change starts at the individual level — in our homes, neighborhoods, and daily choices,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s resolve to implement policies promoting eco-friendly alternatives, responsible consumption, and strict regulation of plastic use, urging citizens to actively contribute to a cleaner and safer environment.