Pakistan Rejects “Water as a Weapon of War” | Calls for Global Adherence to International Water Laws

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued high-level statements reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to environmental conservation while delivering a stern message on the geopolitical misuse of water resources.

Water as a Tool for Peace, Not War

President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif both declared that Pakistan strongly rejects any attempt to use water as a “weapon of war.” The leadership characterized the manipulation of water flows as a serious violation of international law.

President Zardari specifically highlighted that the suspension of established treaty mechanisms—including the sharing of critical hydrological data—undermines regional trust and predictability. He noted that such transparency is essential at a time when climate pressures demand greater transboundary cooperation rather than obstruction.

Adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty, and International Law

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan remains a steadfast adherent to international legal frameworks. He underscored the necessity for the “full and fair implementation” of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960).

The Prime Minister pledged that Pakistan will continue to advocate on the global stage for the equitable, legal, and peaceful use of water resources. “Our water resources—including lakes, glaciers, inland water bodies, and coastal mangroves—are the lifeblood of our environmental conservation and climate mitigation efforts,” the Prime Minister stated.

Commitment to the Ramsar Convention

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s status as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention of 1971, which mandates the sustainable use of wetlands. He pointed out that Pakistan’s diverse ecosystems are vital for future generations but face mounting threats.

The President drew particular attention to the province of Sindh, noting that it bears a disproportionate burden due to:

• Historical water stress and wetland degradation.
• Accelerating sea-level rise.
• The socio-economic impact of dwindling mangrove biodiversity.

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A Call for Global Climate Cooperation

The leadership concluded that the conservation of wetlands is inseparable from the fair management of water across borders. As Pakistan marks World Wetlands Day, the government calls upon the international community to ensure that climate change does not become an excuse for violating established water treaties, but rather a catalyst for honoring them.

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