ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water supplies would be treated as an act of war, rejecting India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and reaffirming Islamabad’s position on its water rights.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday, the prime minister declared that water remained a red line for Pakistan and that any attempt to obstruct its flow would be unacceptable.
Shehbaz Sharif criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally, stressing that internationally recognised agreements must be respected and implemented by all countries.
His remarks underscored Pakistan’s opposition to any measures that could affect its water supplies under the longstanding treaty governing the sharing of the Indus river system.
The prime minister made the statement during President Muizzu’s official visit to Islamabad, which also saw both countries announce plans to significantly expand bilateral trade and cooperation.
Welcoming the Maldivian president, Shehbaz described the visit as particularly significant, noting that it marked the first visit by a Maldivian head of state to Pakistan in 11 years.
He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, including cooperation in education and healthcare.
The prime minister said a considerable number of Maldivian students were studying at Pakistani educational institutions, while Pakistani doctors and medical professionals were serving in the Maldives.
On economic cooperation, Shehbaz announced that both countries had agreed to increase bilateral trade from $13 million to $200 million over the next two years.
He said efforts would be accelerated to achieve the target, with Pakistan also offering technical assistance to the Maldives in information technology.
The two countries signed 20 memorandums of understanding covering trade, defence, education, tourism and other areas of bilateral cooperation.
President Muizzu thanked the Pakistani government for its hospitality and said his discussions with the country’s leadership had covered regional and international developments.
He described the signing of 20 agreements as an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations.
The Maldivian president also expressed optimism that the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum would create new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.
During the visit, President Muizzu was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contributions.
The agreements and proposed trade expansion reflect efforts by Islamabad and Malé to strengthen economic engagement alongside their existing diplomatic relationship.