Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the United Nations General Assembly, warning India against diverting Pakistan’s water.
- He emphasized that any such attempt would be treated as an act of war, reiterating Pakistan’s stance on water security.
- The premier highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad Talks between the US and Iran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, reiterating Pakistan’s firm stance on water security. He warned India that any attempt to divert Pakistan’s share of water would be treated as an act of war, emphasizing that water must never be weaponized.
In his speech, the premier stated, 'Water must never be weaponised. Rivers should nourish nations, not divide them. Therefore, any attempt to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of the waters will be treated as an act of war. India must make no mistake about it.'
He further elaborated on Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, highlighting the Islamabad Talks that resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by the United States and Iran in June. The premier appreciated the efforts of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their roles in the process.
PM Shehbaz also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, emphasizing the importance of keeping critical maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, open. He stated, 'The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab are arteries of the global economy. They must remain open, connecting nations, not becoming choke points of confrontation.'
The premier condemned recent attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, calling them 'deplorable' and expressing Pakistan’s complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia as a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
PM Shehbaz also addressed the conflict with India, which was driven by a terror attack in Pahalgam that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, which denied the allegations. He praised US President Donald Trump’s “resolute and visionary leadership” in brokering a ceasefire between the two countries in May 2025, stressing that it saved “hundreds of millions of lives.”
He stated, 'Our brave and valiant armed forces, under the courageous leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, responded with precision and professionalism.'
The premier concluded by emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts, stating, 'Amid the roar of missiles, drones and guns, the voice for diplomacy must echo even louder and stronger.'
Water must never be weaponised. Rivers should nourish nations, not divide them. Therefore, any attempt to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of the waters will be treated as an act of war. India must make no mistake about it.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab are arteries of the global economy. They must remain open, connecting nations, not becoming choke points of confrontation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
