Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again issued a warning to India over the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring that “every single drop” of Pakistan’s water is a red line and threatening a direct
response to any move that affects Islamabad’s water rights.
Addressing an event in Islamabad on Thursday, Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace but would respond strongly to any challenge to its sovereignty. He also claimed that Pakistan had “defeated” India during the May 2025 conflict and warned that any future confrontation would invite an even stronger response.
Sharif Praises Trump For May 2025 Ceasefire
The Pakistan PM also praised US President Donald Trump for his role in helping broker the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
Trump had announced on May 10, 2025, that India and Pakistan had agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following diplomatic engagement. Sharif subsequently thanked Trump for his “leadership and proactive role” and said Pakistan appreciated Washington’s efforts to facilitate the outcome.
India, however, has maintained that the ceasefire was reached through direct discussions between the two countries and has rejected the characterisation of the agreement as a result of third-party mediation.
Kashmir, Water Dominate Sharif’s Remarks
Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and linked the issue to Islamabad’s broader confrontation with New Delhi.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, he warned that Pakistan would not accept any attempt to deprive it of water. The treaty has remained at the centre of tensions between the two countries since India announced in April 2025 that it was holding the agreement in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan continues to insist that the treaty remains legally in force and has repeatedly raised the issue at international forums.
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) allocated the six rivers of the Indus Basin between India and Pakistan. India was given rights over the three eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas and Ravi—while Pakistan was granted rights over the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
