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PM Shehbaz Vows to Defend Pakistan’s Water Rights Amid Climate Crisis

PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to defending its right to water under the Indus Waters Treaty, addressing climate-driven drought and land degradation on World Day to Combat Desertification.

Pakistan’s right to water has emerged as a central concern as climate change, droughts, and upstream violations threaten national security and livelihoods. On World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a powerful message highlighting the urgency of safeguarding Pakistan’s water resources and restoring degraded land.

With over 68% of Pakistan’s land now categorized as arid or semi-arid, the nation faces a mounting climate crisis. The Climate Risk Index 2025 ranks Pakistan as the most affected country by extreme weather in 2022. The Prime Minister’s statement comes amid increasing fears over India’s unilateral moves to alter the Indus Waters Treaty.


PM Shehbaz’s Strong Stand on Pakistan’s Right to Water

At the heart of his message, PM Shehbaz Sharif described the Indus River as Pakistan’s “lifeline”, vital for the survival of its 240 million citizens. Reiterating Pakistan’s right to water, he condemned India’s actions to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, declaring:

“There is no provision for such actions under the Treaty. The waters of the Indus are the lifeline of the 240 million people of Pakistan, and we will defend our rights.”

He reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and will honor all international obligations while defending its vital resources.


Rising Desertification and Drought in Pakistan

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on June 17, underscores the growing threat of land degradation and water scarcity. PM Shehbaz highlighted that nearly 50% of Pakistan’s land is affected by deforestation, salinity, overgrazing, and unplanned urbanization. These are worsened by:

  • Prolonged droughts in Balochistan, Sindh, and South Punjab
  • Recurring dry spells and wildfires
  • Catastrophic floods like those in 2022

He stressed the urgent need to restore degraded land to ensure food security, conserve biodiversity, and protect rural livelihoods.


India’s Indus Waters Treaty Violation: A Growing Alarm

The Prime Minister raised serious concerns about India’s unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, which was signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation. He warned that such moves:

  • Undermine international water-sharing agreements
  • Threaten regional peace and stability
  • Violate Pakistan’s right to water

India’s recent decision to suspend parts of the Treaty and build upstream water infrastructure has raised alarms not just in Pakistan but among global water security experts. According to water law specialists, such moves could escalate tensions in South Asia.

Read more on the Indus Waters Treaty from the World Bank


Urgency for Land Restoration and Climate Resilience

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) estimates that over 1 million square kilometers of land is degraded worldwide each year. Restoration between 2025 and 2030 will require $1 billion per day globally. PM Shehbaz lauded this year’s UN theme — “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities” — as a timely reminder.

He stressed that:

“Restoration is essential not only for climate resilience but also for unlocking social, economic, and environmental benefits.”

Restoring degraded land can reduce climate migration, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance water retention.


National and Global Climate Commitments

Pakistan has been a signatory to the UNCCD since 1997, and PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the country’s commitment to this global framework. He emphasized alignment with:

  • National Climate Change Policy
  • National Adaptation Plan
  • Integrated Land Use Planning Framework

These policies aim to integrate water conservation, land management, and biodiversity protection into national development planning.

earn more about Pakistan’s commitment under UNCCD


Government Initiatives: From Trees to Treaties

Highlighting tangible efforts, PM Shehbaz noted that:

  • The Green Pakistan Programme has planted over 2.2 billion trees
  • Water storage infrastructure is being expanded
  • Sustainable land management is central to climate planning

He emphasized that ecosystem restoration and reforestation are vital for Pakistan’s survival in an era of accelerated climate change. These initiatives aim to strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions like Tharparkar and Cholistan.

For internal reference, Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has outlined these priorities in its official roadmap.
Internal Resource: National Adaptation Plan


Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

In his closing remarks, PM Shehbaz made a heartfelt appeal to all stakeholders — government, private sector, civil society, and international partners — to unite for a climate-resilient and water-secure future.

He warned that failure to act could push millions into deeper poverty, food insecurity, and displacement. Conversely, he presented hope through action, reminding that:

“Restoration of our land is the restoration of our future.”

With Pakistan’s right to water under threat and climate extremes intensifying, the message on this World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is clear: Act now, restore now, defend now.


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VOW Desk

The Voice of Water: news media dedicated for water conservation.
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