ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stern warning on Friday regarding India’s escalating use of water as a strategic tool, describing it as a “disturbing and dangerous trend” that threatens regional stability. Speaking at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Azerbaijan, he emphasized that such actions constitute an act of aggression that cannot be tolerated.
Addressing delegates, the Prime Minister condemned India’s recent provocative steps, including the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, diplomatic downgrades, and border restrictions. He expressed gratitude to ECO member states for their support and solidarity with Pakistan amid India’s aggressive posture, which has intensified following military confrontations earlier this year.
Tensions escalated after India accused Pakistan of orchestrating an attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 deaths—an allegation Islamabad rejected outright. Subsequently, India launched missile strikes across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in early May, leading to civilian casualties. Pakistan responded with military operations targeting Indian military sites, culminating in a US-mediated ceasefire on May 10.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty, criticizing India’s disregard for international legal rulings and its attempts to weaponize water resources. “The waters of the Indus are vital for Pakistan’s 240 million people,” he stressed. “Any attempt by India to misuse this natural resource constitutes an act of hostility against Pakistan that we cannot accept.”
Shifting focus to regional cooperation, the Prime Minister called for increased efforts to promote trade, connectivity, and economic development. He pointed out that the ECO Trade Agreement, finalized in 2017, remains unimplemented, urging member states to expedite its adoption.
Addressing climate change, he referenced the devastating floods of 2022 which affected over 33 million Pakistanis and inflicted economic damages exceeding $30 billion. He proposed regional initiatives such as low-emission transportation corridors, a shared carbon market, and disaster resilience strategies to combat climate risks. He also called for a dedicated climate finance framework to support clean energy projects and eco-tourism, fostering sustainable growth.
In addition, Shehbaz Sharif condemned recent Israeli strikes on Iran and ongoing violence in Gaza, labeling them as threats to regional peace. “Pakistan stands united against violence and oppression,” he declared, reaffirming the country’s stance against acts of barbarism worldwide.Expressing appreciation for Azerbaijan’s hospitality, he thanked President Ilham Aliyev for hosting the summit in Khankendi and praised the ECO Secretariat’s efforts to promote regional cooperation. He announced Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027 and congratulated Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for being selected as the Tourism Capitals for 2028 and 2029, respectively.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister endorsed Uzbekistan’s Strategic Objective Cooperation 2035, urging member nations to work together in overcoming global challenges. “Let us unite in our efforts for economic prosperity, peace, and progress for our peoples,” he urged.Founded in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, the ECO has since grown to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization aims to foster economic, cultural, and technical collaboration across Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East
