Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said India continues to violate the Indus Water Treaty and has threatened to use water as a weapon. He made the remarks at a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements between Pakistan and various UN agencies. The PM warned that water disputes add to global geopolitical and climate pressures.
Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions yet suffers disproportionately from climate impacts. He recalled the devastating 2022 floods and stressed that Pakistan’s young population is its greatest asset and opportunity for sustainable development.
Read more: Pakistan warns UN over Indus Waters Treaty
Addressing the audience, the PM said the UN must adapt to the needs of a multipolar world. He emphasized that modern technology and artificial intelligence benefits should not be limited to select groups but accessible to all humanity. He called for addressing global crises at their root rather than merely applying temporary solutions.
The agreements signed at the event included UNIDO’s Country Partnership Program Pakistan 2025–2030, UNODC Country Program Pakistan, and cooperation between Lahore’s Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology (INMOL) and the IAEA. Officials said these initiatives aim to strengthen development, health, and scientific collaboration in Pakistan.
Read more: Playing with fire: the Indus waters treaty and the looming catastrophe
Shahbaz’s warning underscores growing regional tensions as Pakistan seeks international support to safeguard water resources. The violation of the Sindh-Tas (Indus Water) Treaty and threats of water weaponization have raised alarm both domestically and among global observers concerned with regional stability and climate resilience.