Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday warned India of a “decisive response” if it made any attempt to violate the Indus Water Treaty and stop the flow of water into Pakistan.
Addressing an event marking International Youth Day in Islamabad, he stressed that the “enemy [India] can’t snatch even a single drop of water from Pakistan.” Recalling that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repeatedly threatened to stop water from reaching Pakistan, he warned that any such attempt would prompt a “lesson” Delhi would never forget.
The prime minister emphasized that water was a lifeline for Pakistan, and no compromise would be made on the country’s rights under international agreements.
Referring to the conflict between Pakistan and India earlier this year, Sharif said a “new Pakistan” had emerged after the armed forces defeated Indian forces on May 10. He said India’s pride was dented by the downing of six of its fighter jets by the Pakistan Air Force, describing it as a “historic moment” for the country.
In his address, the prime minister also announced that 100,000 laptops would be distributed to students purely on merit. “This government believes in transparency and merit, and we will ensure both in the distribution process,” he vowed.
Maintaining that the country’s future was in the hands of its youth, Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to empowering youth through education and technology. He also congratulated the nation ahead of Independence Day on Aug. 14, and praised the role of minorities and all segments of society in the creation and development of Pakistan.