ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that every drop of Pakistan’s water was a “red line” and warned that Islamabad would respond directly if India did not change course.
“We want peace, not war, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness,” Sharif said while addressing the inauguration of the Victory Memorial in Islamabad.
Sharif said the memorial represented the determination of the Pakistani nation and the strength, professionalism and superiority of its armed forces.
He congratulated the nation on what he described as a major victory in the May 2025 conflict with India. He also praised Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership.
The prime minister said the armed forces had delivered a decisive defeat to the enemy. He called the episode an unforgettable chapter in the country’s history.
Sharif said the Victory Memorial was more than a structure. It paid tribute to soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in defence of the country. It also honoured veterans who had shown exceptional courage.
He said the memorial also represented national unity. The nation had stood alongside the armed forces during a difficult period, he added.
Pakistan Seeks Peace but Will Defend Its Interests
Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace and stability in the region and stood for peace with dignity and honour.
“We want peace, not war, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness,” he said.
He said the message from the May 2025 conflict had reached the international community. Pakistan’s prestige had risen significantly after the conflict, he added.
Sharif warned that Pakistan would respond with even greater force if its sovereignty or security was challenged again.
He also criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the move unilateral and illegal.
“I declare in clear terms that every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line,” Sharif said. “If India does not return to the right path, it will receive a direct response.”
Focus on Development and Technology
The prime minister described the Victory Memorial as a milestone in Pakistan’s national journey towards a prosperous, stable and welfare-oriented state.
He said the country needed to combine economic development with modern technology and create new opportunities for its younger generation.
Information technology and artificial intelligence had transformed the world, Sharif said. Pakistan needed to adapt to these changes, develop new technologies and prepare its people for the future.
He pledged that the government would provide maximum possible resources for these efforts.
Pakistan Calls for Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts
Sharif said Pakistan wanted a region free from conflict and supported the resolution of disputes through justice and the principles of the United Nations.
He said Pakistan had played a responsible mediating role between Iran and the United States. Field Marshal Asim Munir had also played a historic role in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, he added.
Sharif also welcomed defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as a positive development for peace in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world.
Support for Palestine and Kashmir
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a just settlement of the Palestinian issue.
He also reiterated Islamabad’s support for the right to self-determination of Kashmiris.
Pakistan would continue its political, diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris, Sharif said.
Afghanistan Must Stop Cross-Border Militancy
Sharif said Pakistan wanted peace and stability in Afghanistan but would not tolerate the use of Afghan territory for terrorism against Pakistan.
“We are neighbours and must remain neighbours,” he said. “My sincere advice to the Afghan leadership is to immediately prevent its territory from being used as a safe haven for terrorists.”
Praise for China and Friendly States
Sharif praised China for its longstanding support for Pakistan and described the bilateral friendship as higher than the Himalayas.
He also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Iran and other friendly countries.
The prime minister thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in securing a ceasefire between Pakistan and India during last year’s conflict.
He said Pakistan-US relations were also expanding.
Call for National Unity
Sharif called for greater unity during peacetime, saying the nation had demonstrated its strength by remaining united during the conflict.
He urged Pakistanis to set aside differences, reject hatred and promote national cohesion.
“Pakistan belongs to everyone, and we are all its custodians,” he said.
Sharif said differences of opinion were a fundamental right, but warned that turning disagreements into hostility could weaken national strength.
He called on citizens to pledge to perform their duties with hard work, sincerity, dedication and honesty.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari jointly inaugurated the Victory Memorial in Islamabad.
