Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday said sustainable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling water security a matter of Pakistan’s national survival.
Addressing an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, the former foreign minister said the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz had demonstrated how regional conflicts can impact the global economy. He also accused India of failing to honor its commitments under the water-sharing agreement.
Bilawal said the Indus Waters Treaty must be fully restored, stressing that the waters of the Indus River are essential for Pakistan’s survival. He added that Pakistan’s rights over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers must be protected in accordance with the treaty.
He reiterated that sustainable peace would remain elusive unless the agreement is fully implemented and respected by all parties.
The PPP chairman said Pakistan had complied with the terms of the ceasefire, while India had failed to fully uphold its commitments. He warned that using water resources as a weapon was dangerous and violated international law.
Bilawal further emphasized that the water dispute should not be viewed merely as a technical issue but as a matter of national security. He warned that any attempt to undermine Pakistan’s water rights would receive a united national response.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, Bilawal said the country would not compromise on the fundamental rights of its people. He also called for the development of new international legal frameworks to address emerging global challenges.
He concluded by saying that no one should be under any misunderstanding regarding Pakistan’s firm position on the issue of its water rights.
Also read: Bilawal Urges Afghan Authorities to Show Restraint
