Islamabad (GNP): Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for the protection of the Indus Waters Treaty, stressing that shared waterways should never be used as instruments of political pressure or coercion. Addressing a seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty, Bilawal said the international community must recognize the serious consequences of attempts to use water resources as a tool of conflict.
He emphasized that access to water is a matter of regional peace, human security, and sustainable development, and should always be managed in accordance with international agreements and established legal principles.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the world clearly understood the risks when the Strait of Hormuz became a source of international concern because of rising tensions. He stated that the same level of global attention should now be given to any attempt to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty. According to him, international rivers are shared resources that require cooperation rather than confrontation, and every country has a responsibility to respect agreements that contribute to regional stability.
During his address, Bilawal warned that waterways must never become instruments of coercion or political pressure. He stated that water is essential for human life, agriculture, food security, and economic development, making its fair and uninterrupted availability vital for millions of people. He said that respecting the Indus Waters Treaty is necessary not only for maintaining bilateral commitments but also for protecting regional peace and preventing unnecessary tensions between neighbouring countries.
The Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to resolving disputes through dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international agreements. He observed that peaceful engagement and constructive communication remain the most effective ways to address complex regional issues. He added that international treaties such as the Indus Waters Treaty provide an important framework for cooperation and should continue to be implemented in good faith by all parties.
Bilawal also referred to the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s water resources for future generations. He said the country’s rivers support agriculture, industry, and the livelihoods of millions of citizens. Any disruption to established water sharing arrangements, he noted, could have significant humanitarian, environmental, and economic consequences. He emphasized that protecting the Indus Waters Treaty is directly linked with ensuring food security, economic stability, and sustainable development across the region.
During the seminar, Bilawal concluded his remarks with the slogan, “Marsoon, Marsoon, Sindhu Na Daysu,” expressing his strong commitment to protecting the River Indus and Pakistan’s water rights. He described the slogan as a reflection of the deep historical, cultural, and economic significance of the Indus River for the people of Pakistan. He said the country’s water resources represent a national trust that must be preserved for present and future generations.
The seminar brought together participants interested in regional cooperation, water governance, and international agreements governing shared rivers. Discussions focused on the significance of responsible water management, the importance of respecting international obligations, and the need to strengthen dialogue on transboundary water issues. Speakers noted that effective cooperation remains essential for ensuring long term peace and sustainable development in South Asia.
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Observers at the event said that water security is becoming an increasingly important issue because of climate change, population growth, and rising demand for natural resources. They stressed that cooperation between neighbouring countries is necessary to address common environmental challenges while protecting the rights and interests of all parties. Participants also highlighted the importance of international law in promoting peaceful management of shared water resources.
The seminar concluded with a renewed call for preserving the Indus Waters Treaty through dialogue, mutual respect, and continued diplomatic engagement. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its legitimate water rights while supporting peaceful regional cooperation based on international law. He expressed hope that constructive engagement and respect for existing agreements would contribute to lasting stability, responsible water governance, and stronger regional understanding in the years ahead.
