PM Shehbaz Urges Water Rights Respect at Bishkek SCO Summit

Key Takeaways

• PM Shehbaz called water the lifeblood of South Asia at the SCO summit.
• He urged unconditional adherence to international water commitments like the Indus Waters Treaty.
• The PCA recently ordered India to uphold the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
• Pakistan emphasized that lasting regional peace is essential for economic potential.
• The Prime Minister highlighted terrorism as a grave threat to regional stability.

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of States summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that water is the lifeblood of South Asia and warned against using shared natural resources as instruments of political coercion, according to Dawn News.

Water Must Never Be Weaponized

Speaking to regional leaders in Kyrgyzstan, PM Shehbaz highlighted the vital role water plays in sustaining millions of lives and securing future generations. He emphasized that international treaties governing shared water resources are solemn commitments that cannot be unilaterally cast aside.

Key highlights from his address include:

• Unconditional Commitments: Binding water agreements must be honored in both letter and spirit.
• Economic Potential: The region cannot achieve its full economic capability without lasting peace.
• Resource Security: Shared water supplies must remain free from geopolitical leverage.

The Indus Waters Treaty and PCA Ruling

Without naming India directly, the prime minister urged strict compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). His statement followed a decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, which ordered India to uphold the treaty and suspend disputed hydro project work.

The court backed Pakistan's legal standing, reaffirming that the long-standing water-sharing agreement remains fully valid under international law.

Regional Security and Anti-Terrorism

In addition to water security, PM Shehbaz addressed the threat of terrorism, describing it as one of the gravest challenges facing the SCO region. As chair of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to active counter-terrorism cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did PM Shehbaz Sharif say about water at the SCO summit?

PM Shehbaz emphasized that water is the lifeblood of the region and warned that it must never be weaponized or used for political coercion.

What is the status of the Indus Waters Treaty according to the PCA?

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty remains fully in force and ordered India to uphold its commitments.

Why was the SCO summit significant for Pakistan's water rights?

It provided a platform for Pakistan to highlight the importance of international water agreements following recent disputes with India.