Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water will be considered an act of war, reiterating that water is a red line for the country.
The prime minister made the remarks during a ceremony in Islamabad for the exchange of memorandums of understanding between Pakistan and the Maldives, attended by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Shehbaz Sharif said relations between the two countries had strengthened across various sectors, including economic cooperation, trade and defence. He noted that a large number of Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani institutions, while Pakistani doctors and paramedical staff were serving people in the Maldives.
He said Pakistan would be pleased to meet the Maldives’ additional needs as a brotherly country.
The prime minister also said the Maldives fully supported the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance in favour of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
Addressing water-related concerns, Shehbaz Sharif described India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as unacceptable. He said all countries were responsible for implementing internationally recognised agreements.
“Water is our red line, and any attempt to block Pakistan’s water will be considered an act of war,” the prime minister said.
Meanwhile, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the two countries had maintained 60 years of diplomatic relations based on mutual cooperation. He expressed a commitment to expanding collaboration in education, healthcare, trade and other sectors.
Muizzu said the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum would open new avenues for trade and economic cooperation. He also called for expanding exchanges under the youth exchange programme and highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
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