PM Shehbaz warns India over water threats, vows firm response if Indus Water Treaty violated

Islamabad (Web Desk): At an event commemorating International Youth Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a forceful message to India, warning of serious repercussions if Pakistan’s water rights were infringed. Citing the Indus Waters Treaty as a cornerstone of regional water-sharing agreements, he made it clear that any violation would not be tolerated. “You threaten to stop our water.

If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget,” he stated, emphasizing that access to water is not just a necessity, but a matter of survival for the country.

Highlighting what he called a landmark military success, the Prime Minister referred to events on May 10, asserting that Pakistan’s armed forces had delivered a resounding blow to Indian air power.

According to him, six Indian fighter aircraft were downed by the Pakistan Air Force, a feat he described as transformative for national morale.

“This government believes in transparency and merit, and we will ensure both in the distribution process,” he said, declaring the birth of a “new Pakistan” from that moment of military assertion.

In line with his government’s focus on education and digital access, the Prime Minister announced the provision of 100,000 interest-free laptops for students across the country.

These devices, he said, would be distributed based solely on academic merit, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fairness. He underlined that the youth are central to the nation’s progress and reiterated his resolve to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed for a better future.

He also marked the occasion by congratulating the people of Pakistan on the country’s Independence Day. During his remarks, he acknowledged the diverse communities and minority groups whose contributions have helped shape Pakistan’s identity and advancement.

Speaking on the subject of religious inclusivity, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf noted that the state is undertaking significant steps to protect the rights of minorities.

He reaffirmed the constitutional principle of equal citizenship and announced a new measure that reserves five percent of government jobs for minority candidates. “To ensure representation, the government has formulated a policy to promote interfaith harmony. Under this policy, minorities will be granted a 5% quota in jobs,” he said.

Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani echoed this stance, highlighting the alignment between Islamic teachings and religious tolerance. He pointed out that the nation’s founding document upholds the rights of all faiths.

“The Prime Minister is taking the country forward in line with the vision of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said, praising the administration’s inclusive approach.
Rana Mashhood Khan, who heads the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, reflected on past efforts to uplift the younger generation. He recalled that the country’s initial youth policy had been introduced in 2011 under Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership as Chief Minister, providing scholarships, laptops, and easy loans to deserving students.

He added that the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, another of Shehbaz Sharif’s initiatives, had now grown into the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, benefiting students nationwide.

“Every child in Pakistan can benefit from this initiative,” he noted, affirming that the program's reach now extends far beyond provincial boundaries.