PM Shehbaz at UNGA: Water Diversion Would Be an Act of War, Haramain Security a Red Line

UNITED NATIONS — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, said any attempt by India to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of river waters would be treated as an “act of war.” He also described the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain as a red line for Pakistan and reaffirmed continued diplomatic, political and moral support for Kashmiris until the realization of their right to self-determination.

Addressing the General Debate for the fourth time, the prime minister said Pakistan had chosen dialogue over confrontation and peace over war, while making clear that the country would not compromise on its national security. He said the Quranic message of peace remained a guiding principle of Pakistan’s national policy.

Referring to Indian aggression, Shehbaz said Pakistan had exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter last year. He praised the armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and credited former US President Donald Trump’s intervention with helping de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries. He stressed that a lasting peace in South Asia requires a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

On the Indus Waters Treaty, the prime minister described India’s unilateral decision to hold the agreement in abeyance as having no legal basis and maintained that the treaty remains valid and operative. He warned that any attempt to weaponise or interfere with Pakistan’s share of the waters would not be tolerated.

Addressing the situation in the Gulf and Middle East, Shehbaz said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had brought Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table in Islamabad. He called for the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to remain open, describing them as vital arteries of the global economy. He also condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia and said any threat to the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain was a red line. Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, he said it represented a collective commitment to defence, stability and peace.

On Palestine, the prime minister condemned the suffering and deaths of civilians in Gaza and reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He also called for an immediate end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Syria.

Speaking about terrorism, Shehbaz said Pakistan had suffered a heavy human and economic cost in the fight against terrorism, with losses exceeding $150 billion. He called on the Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used by groups such as the TTP and BLA for attacks against Pakistan.

The prime minister also expressed concern over Islamophobia, attacks on Muslims and mosques, and restrictions on religious freedom. He called for climate justice, noting that Pakistan contributes less than one per cent of global emissions while facing severe climate-related impacts, and urged developed countries to fulfil their climate-finance commitments. He also called for reforms to the UN Security Council to make it more representative of member states.