Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned India that every drop of Indus water is a "red line" for Pakistan, stressing that Islamabad wants peace but will respond forcefully to any threat to its sovereignty or defence.
Addressing a ceremony on Thursday in capital Islamabad marking the inauguration of the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument on the eve of Pakistan's 80th Independence Day, Sharif said that Pakistan's desire for peace should not be interpreted as weakness.
"Pakistan wants peace, not war, and that desiring peace should not be perceived as a sign of weakness," he said.
"With dignity and determination, we are resolute for peace."
He said Pakistan emerged as a "guarantor of peace" in the region, but warned that any challenge to its sovereignty or defence would trigger a stronger response.
"If anyone challenges Pakistan's sovereignty and defence, they will receive an even stronger reply than in May 2025," said the premier, referring to the military confrontation between Pakistan and India in 2025.
Sharif criticised India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), saying New Delhi took the step after its "defeat" in May.
"I warn that every drop of water is our red line. If India does not keep on the right track, we will give it a direct response," he said.
India's suspension of IWT
The Permanent Court of Arbitration, based in The Hague, noted in June 2025 that the decades-long water-sharing pact does not have a provision for the unilateral "abeyance" or "suspension" and that the court had jurisdiction over disputes under the IWT.
The IWT divided the six rivers of the Indus Basin between the two countries. While India received the three eastern rivers — Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi — Pakistan was assigned control over the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
Pakistan says India's planned hydropower dams will cut flows on the river, which feeds 80 percent of its irrigated agriculture.
The treaty has come under strain after India suspended its participation in the agreement following the killing of 26 mainly Hindu tourists in India-administered Kashmir in April 2025.
New Delhi immediately blamed Pakistan for the attack, without any evidence. Islamabad denied the allegation and sought an independent investigation.
Both countries downgraded diplomatic and trade ties, closed their main land border crossing and revoked visas for each other’s nationals.
New Delhi rejected calls for independent probe and began attacking Pakistan, triggering one of the sharpest deteriorations in relations between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades.
Pakistan retaliated against Indian attacks, downing several aircraft and targeting Indian military bases in May before a ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump.
India initially denied that any of its aircraft had been downed, but later admitted to the losses. It also denied that any soldiers had been killed at the time, but recently admitted to the loss of at least six soldiers.
The US, which mediated the truce, believes approximately 11 aircraft were shot down, while Pakistan says it shot down seven or eight Indian aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets.
Relations between India and Pakistan have remained frozen since.
India says US played no role in truce, but Pakistan has hailed President Trump’s efforts and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Kashmir and Palestine
Sharif, meanwhile, also congratulated Pakistanis on Independence Day and paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the country's struggle for independence.
Sharif also stressed the unity of all Pakistan's provinces and their development, including Pakistan-administered Kashmir (or Azad Jammu and Kashmir).
"We must make a Pakistan where all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will advance and develop together," he said.
He also added that Pakistan will continue to advocate for Palestinians who are facing oppression and support their right for self-determination.
