ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan will never tolerate any unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which could jeopardize the lives of millions. Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe on Friday, the prime minister called for urgent international action as Pakistan faces mounting threats from rapid glacial melt driven by climate change.
In his address to over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states and 70 international organizations, PM Shehbaz criticized India’s recent move to put the IWT “in abeyance,” calling it illegal and deeply regrettable.
Indus Treaty in Jeopardy
“The Indus Waters Treaty is a cornerstone of regional peace and cooperation. India’s unilateral and illegal decision to suspend it endangers millions and must be condemned,” PM Shehbaz said. “We will never allow the red line to be crossed.”
He accused India of weaponizing water for political gains, warning that such actions threaten the ecological balance and human security in the region. He emphasized that the five rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej — depend on glacial systems, which are now at serious risk due to global warming.
Pakistan’s Climate Crisis: Melting Glaciers, Diminishing Rivers
Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability, the prime minister noted that the country hosts over 13,000 glaciers and receives nearly 50% of its water from glacial sources.
The melting of these glaciers due to rising temperatures poses an existential threat to Pakistan’s water security, agriculture, and economy.
“Pakistan is among the ten most climate-affected countries, despite contributing less than 0.5% to global emissions,” PM Shehbaz said. He referenced the catastrophic 2022 floods as an example of the worsening climate crisis, which destroyed critical infrastructure and displaced millions.
He warned that scientific projections forecast accelerated flooding followed by dangerously low river flows as glaciers recede, with disastrous consequences for ecosystems and communities.
Call for Global Climate Responsibility
PM Shehbaz urged developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments for climate action, stressing the need for investments in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience.
“Climate change is a global crisis, and its burden must be shared equitably. The time for action is now,” he asserted.
The prime minister concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to collaborative international efforts to safeguard the environment, preserve glaciers, and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
