"Water must never be weaponized or used for political coercion. The treaties governing our shared waters are binding commitments that must be honoured unconditionally, both in letter and spirit. We remain fully committed to advance our shared objectives under the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) of dealing with the three evils of terrorism, separatism and religious extremism.Terrorist groups that continue to use Afghan territory to attack Pakistan and other neighbouring countries and kill innocent people must be stopped effectively.Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the SCO+ meeting at the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan"
At the recent SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif spoke with urgency about the need to preserve water as a fundamental resource for peace rather than a tool for conflict. His comments come amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region, highlighting the importance of existing treaties that govern shared water resources.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that water must never be weaponized or used for political coercion, reiterating that the treaties governing these vital resources are binding commitments that must be honored unconditionally. Pakistans commitment to regional cooperation is crucial, especially in the face of shared challenges posed by terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism. The Prime Ministers remarks underscored the need for collective action to address these evils while advancing mutual objectives through the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS).
The Prime Minister's address was met with acknowledgment from various international delegations, with many representatives agreeing that cooperative water management can serve as a foundation for broader regional stability. Emphasizing unity, the discussions revealed that several countries share concerns over the threats posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. The necessity to effectively stop these groups, which target Pakistan and its neighboring nations, was a recurring theme in dialogues initiated during the summit.
As Pakistan continues to champion water diplomacy, the road ahead could see renewed efforts to engage neighboring countries in a constructive dialogue that respects the sanctity of water treaties. There may be opportunities for joint projects focused on water conservation and management, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and trust. Going forward, Pakistans leadership will likely pursue actionable strategies to mitigate the risks of terrorism while highlighting its commitment to peace-building initiatives that strengthen regional ties.
