Water is a lifeline for 240m Pakistanis, says PM

KAKUL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while reiterating Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, said that Pakistan as a responsible country was open to participate ‘in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation into Pahalgam incident’.

He said India had levelled baseless allegations and accusations without verifiable evidences in the wake of Pahalgam incident and this ‘blame gam must come to a grinding halt.’

Addressing a passing out parade of Pakistan Milit Academy cadets, the prime minister said that water had been a vital national interest of Pakistan and lifeline for its 240 million people and made it loud and clear that no doubt, its availability would be safeguarded at all costs and circumstances.

In an apparent reference to India’s announcement’s of suspending the Indus Water Treaty, the prime minister said “Any attempt to stop, reduce and divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be responded to with full force and might and no one should remain under any false impression and confusion.”

The prime minister said that their valiant armed forces were fully capable to defending country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as manifested in its resolute response to the Indian reckless incursion on Febru 26,  2019, therefore nobody should make any mistake about it.

He said that this nation of 240 million people stood united behind their brave armed forces and committed to safeguarding every inch of the motherland.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated “Peace is our preference but it must not be construed as our weakness. We shall and will not compromise on our dignity and security of the beloved Pakistan.” He said Pakistan would continue its unwavering commitment to playing positive and constructive role at the global stage for peace and security as it believed in the unity of the human race.

The prime minister said founder, Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had rightly declared Kashmir as a jugular vein of Pakistan.

He said it was a globally recognized dispute that remained unresolved despite UNSC resolutions and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continuing support to the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination till they achieved it after great struggle and sacrifices.