During the debate at the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan firmly rejected the idea of weaponising natural resources such as water.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stated that natural resources must serve as instruments of economic development and shared prosperity rather than tools for coercion or conflict.

He emphasized that water is one of the most critical natural resources for sustaining life and maintaining regional stability.

According to Pakistan’s representative, using water as leverage against downstream countries threatens peace and security in the region.

Pakistan therefore urged the international community to recognize the risks associated with water weaponisation.

Indus Waters Treaty Dispute Explained

A central issue raised by Pakistan was the dispute surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water sharing between Pakistan and India.

Signed in 1960 with the support of the World Bank, the treaty is widely regarded as one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in history.

The agreement allocates the eastern rivers to India and the western rivers to Pakistan while establishing mechanisms for dispute resolution.

However, Pakistan claims that India has taken unilateral steps that violate the treaty’s provisions.

Ambassador Ahmad told the Security Council that India had put the treaty in abeyance, which Pakistan considers a breach of international law.

He added that the treaty remains legally valid and binding following an August 2025 decision by the Court of Arbitration.

Concerns Over Water Security in South Asia

Pakistan argues that India’s actions could threaten water security for millions of people.

The Indus River basin supports agriculture, drinking water supplies, and hydropower generation across Pakistan.

Any disruption in river flows could have significant consequences for food production and economic stability.

Experts warn that South Asia already faces growing water stress due to climate change, population growth, and rising demand for resources.

In such a context, maintaining international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty becomes even more important.

Pakistan therefore urged global stakeholders to encourage compliance with the treaty.

Pakistan Raises Issue at UN Security Council

Pakistan used the UN platform to highlight its concerns about water security and international law.

Addressing the Council, Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that water resources shared between countries must be managed cooperatively.

He warned that attempts to control or restrict water supplies could escalate tensions in already fragile regions.

Pakistan called on the international community to ensure respect for treaty obligations and prevent water from becoming a source of conflict.

The diplomat stressed that shared water resources should instead promote regional cooperation and sustainable development.

Energy, Critical Minerals and Development

The Security Council discussion also focused on the role of energy and critical minerals in global stability.

Pakistan told the Council that it aims to responsibly develop its own energy and mineral resources to promote economic growth.

According to Ambassador Ahmad, the government has launched initiatives to accelerate the exploration and development of critical minerals.

These efforts include:

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks
• Modernizing geological mapping
• Improving licensing transparency
• Promoting environmentally responsible mining practices

Pakistan believes that proper management of natural resources can help drive industrial growth and social development.

Global Cooperation and Fair Resource Management

Pakistan also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in managing natural resources.

The country reaffirmed the principle that nations have permanent sovereignty over their natural resources.

This principle is recognized in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1803.

Ambassador Ahmad stressed that partnerships in the critical minerals sector must be transparent, cooperative, and respectful of national ownership.

He warned against exploitative arrangements that undermine the development prospects of resource-rich countries.

Instead, Pakistan supports agreements that align with host countries’ development strategies and ensure fair benefits for local communities.

Technology Transfer and Economic Development

Pakistan also called for equitable participation in global supply chains.

Developing countries should not remain limited to extracting raw materials, the ambassador argued.

Instead, they should be enabled to move toward processing, refining, and downstream manufacturing.

Technology transfer, skills development, and responsible investment are essential for achieving this goal.

Pakistan stressed that global trade systems must remain open, predictable, and non-discriminatory.

Supply chain diversification should enhance resilience rather than deepen geopolitical divisions.

According to Pakistan, multilateral cooperation remains the most reliable path to energy security and sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s statement at the United Nations highlights the growing geopolitical significance of water resources in South Asia. By rejecting water weaponisation and calling for compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan seeks to draw international attention to what it views as a serious threat to regional stability.

At the same time, the country reaffirmed its commitment to responsible development of energy and mineral resources, emphasizing cooperation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.

As global competition for resources intensifies, Pakistan’s message at the UN underscores the need for multilateral solutions that promote peace, development, and environmental sustainability.