Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has cautioned India that Pakistan will respond decisively if New Delhi attempts to block its water in breach of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“You threaten to stop our water — if you do, Pakistan will give you a response you will never forget,” the prime minister said on Tuesday while addressing an International Youth Day ceremony in Islamabad. He underscored that water security was a matter of national survival and that Pakistan would protect its treaty rights at all costs.
Shehbaz also recalled the events of May 10, hailing it as a landmark day when Pakistan’s armed forces downed six Indian fighter jets. “India’s pride was sunk that day, and a new Pakistan emerged,” he said, describing it as a victory that would be remembered in military history.
At the same event, the prime minister unveiled two key initiatives for youth: an Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Prospective Overseas Workers and a Laptops for All Programme. Under the laptop scheme, 100,000 devices will be distributed purely on merit to students from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the federal capital.
“These laptops will be given without political favouritism or nepotism,” he assured, noting that the initiative complements the government’s interest-based loan schemes for technology access.
Shehbaz urged the youth to channel their energy into nation-building, calling them the “future of Pakistan.” He also extended Independence Day greetings and honoured individuals from minority communities for their contributions to the country, presenting them with special awards.