ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, gave India a stern warning on Thursday regarding water security. He asserted that Islamabad will react instantly to any action taken by New Delhi against Pakistan unless it returns to “the right path.” Speaking at the inaugural function of the Yadgar-e-Fatah (Monument of Victory), he remarked that every drop of Pakistan’s water resources red line for the nation while reaffirming its desire for regional peace and stability.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir formally inaugurated the memorial in an event that was attended by high-ranking representatives from civilian and military institutions, foreign diplomats, and other political personalities.
This inauguration took place amid the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan, during which the leadership highlighted themes of national cohesion, defense readiness, and the government’s pledge to ensure peace within the region.
PM tells India Water Resources Red line: PM's Message to India
While issuing this warning regarding water security issues, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that India needs to join "the correct path" since the country’s wish for peaceful relations should not be considered a sign of weakness.
He said that the nation had celebrated Independence Day amidst the looming presence of the monument, describing it as a testament to Pakistan’s achievements during the Marka-e-Haq, during which the military services had paid a heavy price.
PM praised the CDF and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and his military force for what he termed Pakistan’s victory against India. In his statement, PM Sharif mentioned that Pakistan’s head is up, but “the enemy” was facing a “humiliating defeat.” PM Sharif also congratulated the field marshal and his associates for inaugurating the unique monument. This iconic project took only eight months to complete.
ALSO READ: Indus Waters Treaty Cannot Be Modified Unilaterally, Tarar Says
The prime minister noted that Pakistan had established itself as a beacon of stability in the region and vowed that his administration would work to develop fresh opportunities for Pakistan’s younger generation. The PM highlighted Islamabad’s diplomatic initiative to prevent any new conflict in the future, noting that Pakistan desired that the global community not be subjected to further instability. He particularly referred to the Pakistani government’s initiative to bring about US-Iran diplomacy.
Addressing a question about the ceasefire deal struck between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Sharif said that US President Donald Trump had brokered the deal, and he hoped that ties between the United States and Pakistan would further improve in the coming period.
Moreover, Prime Minister mentioned the Joint Defense Pact signed between Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Makkah. According to him, this agreement was part of efforts made by Pakistan to enhance regional peace and stability by engaging in multilateral diplomatic relations.
PM reaffirmed Pakistan's backing for the cause of Palestinians and asserted that Islamabad's stand on Kashmir continued to remain unwavering. In this regard, he noted that the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri populace would never be rendered useless or wasted. With respect to Afghanistan, the Prime Minister called upon the Afghan administration to make sure that their soil is never misused to launch any kind of terror attacks against Pakistan. "No force can ever subdue a nation when it stands united," he remarked.
Addressing the same occasion, President Zardari termed the victory of Pakistan in Marka-e-Haq as an unforgettable event in the history of Pakistan and honored those martyred and veteran soldiers who made immense sacrifices to ensure security of the nation.
He said Pakistan played a crucial role in maintaining peace in the region and kept contributing along with other nations for achieving global peace and stability. He also added that his father had fought in Kashmir. He emphasized that his nation didn’t desire war.
Zardari referred to Pakistan’s contribution to the diplomatic negotiations between the United States of America and Iran, which led to the ceasefire agreement. He mentioned that Field Marshal Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made valuable contributions towards this initiative. According to Zardari, Pakistan will contribute to worldwide initiatives focused on peace and prosperity.
Commenting on the developments in Gaza, the president noted how the ongoing carnage was unacceptable and stated that there is no justification whatsoever for what he termed a “genocide” in Gaza. While addressing the function, President Zardari categorically rejected the notion of “Greater Israel,” and made it clear that the project will never see the light of day.
The ceremony was held amid displays of patriotism and nationalism, featuring military contingencies from the Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, and the police services of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Contingencies of police services from AJK and GB province also participated in the ceremony.
All service chiefs, several federal ministers, foreign diplomats, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, alongside senior civilian and military officers, attended the ceremony. Among others, Governor Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Chief Minister of Punjab were also present. This ceremony marks Pakistan's story regarding the victory won against India during the 2025 May war between both nations.