According to Dawn, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that any attempt by India to divert or stop Pakistan's water supply would be viewed as an act of war.
What happened
During his address, the prime minister raised major security concerns and foreign relations matters. He criticized India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, noting that international bodies including UN experts and the Permanent Court of Arbitration had rejected India's position. He also called for a resolution to the Kashmir dispute, highlighted Pakistan's recent diplomatic mediation between the United States and Iran, and expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause while condemning Israeli violence in the Middle East.
Key facts
- Water Conflict: Sharif stated that stopping or diverting Pakistan's water share constitutes an act of war, arguing that India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty lacks legal grounding according to Dawn.
- Kashmir Standoff and Ceasefire: Recalling a prior conflict following a tourist attack in Pahalgam, the prime minister commended US President Donald Trump for helping negotiate a ceasefire in May 2025. He urged the UN to fulfill its pledge for a free plebiscite in Kashmir.
- Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan facilitated talks in Islamabad that produced a June agreement between Washington and Tehran. Sharif also condemned Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and noted a defense agreement between Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
- Palestine Position: The premier denounced Israeli military actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria, advocating for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Why it matters
As reported by Dawn, the address outlined Pakistan's official stance on critical water security, regional military tensions, and its mediation role in international conflicts. Official responses from the UN or foreign governments were not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published September 25, 2026