PM Shehbaz Sharif Denounces India’s Politicization of Indus Waters Treaty in Meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday firmly stated that India’s weaponization of the Indus Waters Treaty was “unacceptable” and constituted a red line for the people of Pakistan. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is on an official visit to Islamabad.
The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s grave concerns over rising tensions in South Asia, attributing the situation to India’s “provocative behavior” following the recent Pahalgam incident. Categorically rejecting any attempts to link Pakistan to the incident without credible evidence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan had proactively offered to support a transparent, neutral, and internationally credible investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
“While Pakistan has acted with maturity and responsibility, India has deliberately incited a media frenzy to distract the international community from the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains the fundamental cause of instability in South Asia,” the Prime Minister said, according to a statement issued by the PM Office Media Wing.
At the outset of the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt condolences to the Iranian side over the tragic explosion in Bandar Abbas, which resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. He offered prayers for the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
During the warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed his respectful regards to Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei and extended warm wishes to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He emphasized that Pakistan places high value on its historic and fraternal relations with Iran.
Recalling his earlier interactions and recent telephone conversation with President Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral engagement. He highlighted the importance of further strengthening cooperation in key sectors including trade, energy, border management, and regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to working closely with Iran in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Foreign Minister Araghchi, in turn, conveyed warm greetings from the Iranian leadership and reiterated Iran’s strong desire to deepen bilateral ties. He assured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Iran’s continued support for regional peace and reaffirmed President Pezeshkian’s invitation for the Prime Minister to undertake an official visit to Tehran later this year.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to fostering closer collaboration in the face of regional challenges and opportunities.
