ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty by India would be treated by Pakistan as an act of war, stressing that water resources must not be used as an instrument of political pressure.
The prime minister made the remarks during a joint press stakeout with Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad on Wednesday, following the signing of 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Expressing concern over India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, Shehbaz said international agreements carrying legal obligations must be honoured.
“Water is a lifeline for humanity, particularly for lower riparian countries,” he said, reiterating that Pakistan would consider any violation of the treaty an act of war.
The talks between Pakistan and the Maldives also resulted in an agreement to raise bilateral trade from approximately $13.9 million to $200 million over the next two years.
Shehbaz described the existing trade volume as far below the two countries’ economic potential and said both sides would work together to achieve the ambitious target through greater economic engagement and the effective implementation of the agreements.
Welcoming President Muizzu on his first visit to Pakistan in 11 years, the prime minister noted that the visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said discussions covered trade, investment, defence cooperation, education, healthcare, policing, capacity building and regional and international developments. The 20 agreements, he added, would provide a framework for expanding cooperation across several sectors.
The prime minister also highlighted the longstanding educational and medical links between the two countries. He said many Maldivian students had studied at Pakistani institutions, particularly in the health sector, while around 250 Pakistani doctors and paramedical staff were serving in the Maldives.
Pakistan, he said, was ready to extend further medical and professional assistance in line with the Maldives’ needs.
Under environmental cooperation, Pakistan will provide the Maldives with 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 seeds of various plant species to support its campaign to plant five million trees.
Shehbaz also offered Pakistani expertise in information technology and data centre development, citing the country’s professional capabilities in these fields.
He congratulated Muizzu on receiving an honorary doctorate from the International Islamic University Islamabad in recognition of his leadership and public service.
On international issues, Shehbaz appreciated the Maldives’ support for the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous state in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Maldives seeks stronger economic and environmental ties
President Muizzu thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their hospitality, describing the visit as an opportunity to build a new phase of partnership based on six decades of friendship.
He endorsed the target of increasing bilateral trade to $200 million within two years and called for expanded trade and investment, improved connectivity and closer cooperation in tourism.
Muizzu said the agreements would create opportunities for collaboration in healthcare, education, fisheries, agriculture, youth development, tourism, information technology, policing and defence. He stressed that their success would depend on turning commitments into practical benefits for citizens.
He also highlighted plans to expand scholarships, training programmes and professional opportunities for Maldivian youth, particularly in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, skills development and emerging technologies.
Welcoming Pakistan’s contribution to the Maldives’ tree-planting programme, Muizzu said climate change posed a direct threat to his country’s security, development and future. He called for stronger bilateral cooperation in environmental protection, renewable energy and climate resilience.
The Maldivian president also reaffirmed his country’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to an independent, sovereign state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Muizzu expressed confidence that the agreements signed during the visit would deepen relations between Pakistan and the Maldives while creating new opportunities for mutual growth, prosperity and cooperation.
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