‘Pakistan won’t Allow India to Cross IWT Red Line: PM at Int’l Glaciers Conference’
In an emphatic address at the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced Pakistan’s opposition to the aggressive disposition towards water resources. The prime minister sternly reminded that Pakistan would resist any attempt by India to violate the Indus Waters Treaty, which is integral to the lives of millions, by treating it as a tool for narrow political gains.
The Indus Waters Treaty, a pivotal agreement dictating the sharing of the Indus Basin’s water between Pakistan and India, hinges on mutual respect and responsibility. Prime Minister Sharif emphasized, “India’s decision to hold the treaty in abeyance is deeply regrettable. Millions of lives cannot be made collateral for political expediencies, and Pakistan shall ensure this red line remains uncrossed.”
This conference, held in Dushanbe, marks a significant gathering of over 2,500 delegates from 80 UN member states, alongside representation from 70 international organizations. With a focus on glacial conservation, climate change vulnerability, and global responsibility, the assembly underscores the pressing need for cooperative international efforts in environmental stewardship.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the undeniable link between Pakistan’s security and its 13,000-plus glaciers, which contribute to nearly half of the Indus River system’s annual flow. He reiterated, “The Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers all owe their existence to the stability of these glaciers, positioning Pakistan among the most vulnerable countries to any climatic shifts impacting these icy reserves.”
The alarming pace of glacial melting was ironically drawn from Pakistan’s painful experience during the 2022 floods. Widespread destruction, from ravaged farmland to decimated infrastructure, underscored the perilous impacts, even as Pakistan contributes less than half a percent to global emissions.
“The forecasted escalation in glacial melting poses a dire warning for our fragile ecosystems. Increased flooding followed by severe river flow deficits awaits unless proactive measures are taken,” cautioned Prime Minister Sharif. These impending challenges could unravel livelihoods, displace communities, and usher in profound instability if the global community fails to heed the environmental alarm bells.
Emphasizing cooperative responsibility, the Prime Minister called for bolstered global climate initiatives to counteract the adverse consequences of climate change. He outlined the necessity for developed nations to swiftly meet their financial commitments for climate resilience and adaptation, highlighting the importance of funding for both prevention and recovery efforts.
With reflections rooted in personal history, Prime Minister Sharif offered a poignant account of his childhood experiences with the River Ravi, which like Tajikistan’s river systems, owes much to the stability provided by glacial water sources. Such rivers embody shared ecological legacies and underscore the collective duty of countries to preserve these lifelines.
“Our dedication to securing and conserving these bountiful gifts of nature is crucial for the health and future of our planet and people,” urged the Prime Minister. This ringing call to action seeks not only the preservation of the environment but also adherence to equitable and enduring principles in international water treaties.
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