In a bold statement during a crucial diplomatic event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that India cannot stop Pakistan’s water, stressing that water is the lifeline for 240 million citizens.
Speaking at a trilateral summit held in Lachin, Azerbaijan, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s resilience and the power of its international friendships.
“Water is not just a resource—it's the heartbeat of our people,” Shehbaz Sharif said passionately. “India wants to block our water, but that will never happen. We will not allow anyone to threaten our existence.” The Prime Minister lauded the deep-rooted support from Turkey and Azerbaijan, calling them "brotherly nations bound by faith, culture, and shared values."
Highlighting regional tensions, Shehbaz condemned India's response to the recent Pahalgam incident, accusing New Delhi of using it as a pretext for aggression without presenting any credible evidence. “India imposed blame on Pakistan without proof, while we offered a full investigation. That offer was ignored,” he stated.
Shehbaz also stressed that Pakistan remains committed to resolving the Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions, noting that India’s military buildup and hostility serve only to escalate tensions.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan echoed Pakistan's concerns, stating, “We were disturbed by the recent India-Pakistan tensions. Azerbaijan firmly supports Pakistan and believes in peaceful conflict resolution.” He praised the unwavering backing both Pakistan and Turkey provided during Azerbaijan’s 2020 war, adding that the three countries are exploring $2 billion in joint investments and enhancing defense cooperation.
The summit was followed by Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebration, where both leaders addressed a jubilant crowd. Prime Minister Shehbaz marked the moment by recalling Pakistan’s own historic milestone—Youm-e-Takbeer—when it became a nuclear power on May 28. “Today we stand strong, having defeated an enemy five times our size,” he declared.
He revealed that India attacked Pakistan on May 7, targeting civilians, and followed up with airstrikes on Pakistani airports on May 9. “I instructed Field Marshal Asim Munir to respond decisively. At 4:30 AM, we struck Indian military installations. Our forces downed five Indian jets, including the much-hyped Rafale,” he said, proudly underlining Pakistan’s military preparedness.
India cannot stop Pakistan’s water, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated. “We have faced aggression before, and we have always emerged stronger—with the truth, with unity, and with the support of our allies.”
