Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a strong warning to India, declaring that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with a “decisive response.”
Speaking at an event marking International Youth Day in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier said: “You threaten to stop our water. If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget.”
Shehbaz stressed that water was essential for Pakistan’s survival and that the country would never compromise on its rights guaranteed under international agreements.
The prime minister also reflected on what he described as a historic military success, recalling the events of May 10 when Pakistan’s armed forces reportedly shot down six Indian fighter jets. “A new Pakistan has emerged after our armed forces defeated India,” he said, adding that the day would be remembered as a milestone in Pakistan’s military history.
During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz launched two major initiatives for youth empowerment:
Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Prospective Overseas Workers – aimed at supporting Pakistanis seeking jobs abroad.
Laptops for All Programme – involving the distribution of 100,000 free laptops to talented students across the country, based purely on merit.
The laptop distribution will cover all provinces, the federal capital, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Shehbaz assured that the process would be transparent and free from political influence. “No one will be favoured on political or personal grounds,” he said.
The prime minister urged young Pakistanis to embrace resilience, hard work, and innovation, saying the nation’s future depended on them. He also extended early Independence Day greetings and honoured members of minority communities for their contributions to Pakistan’s development, presenting special awards to distinguished individuals.
