Addressing the SCO summit, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif urged that water should never be used as a tool of coercion, specifically referencing the Indus Waters Treaty amid escalating tensions with India.
- PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that water is the region's lifeblood and must not be weaponized.
- India continues to reject the Permanent Court of Arbitration's jurisdiction over the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Pakistan proposes a sovereign AI infrastructure framework for the SCO during its 2026-27 chair.
- Strong warnings issued regarding the use of Afghan soil by terrorists.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Kyrgyz capital, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a pointed address focusing on regional stability and the critical issue of water security. Sharif asserted that water is the "lifeblood" of the region and must never be weaponized or used as an instrument of political leverage or coercion.
The Prime Minister's remarks were a direct reference to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Following the Pahalgam terror attack last April, which claimed 26 civilian lives, India decided to put the treaty in abeyance as part of a broader diplomatic and economic crackdown. Sharif argued that international treaties governing shared waters are solemn commitments that should be honored unconditionally, regardless of political convenience.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Pakistan is attempting to internationalize the water dispute to put pressure on New Delhi. By framing the issue as a humanitarian concern at the SCO, Islamabad seeks to shift the narrative from state-sponsored terrorism to regional resource insecurity. However, India's refusal to recognize the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) underscores a shift in New Delhi's strategy: treating security and diplomacy as inseparable.
"The shift from technical disputes to sovereign defiance regarding the IWT marks a dangerous new chapter in South Asian hydro-politics."
On the subject of security, Sharif highlighted the heavy toll terrorism has taken on Pakistan, citing the loss of 90,000 lives and over USD 150 billion in economic damages. He maintained a firm stance on Afghanistan, stating that lasting peace remains elusive as long as terrorists utilize Afghan territory to target Pakistani citizens.
Looking ahead to Pakistan's chairmanship of the SCO for 2026–27, Sharif outlined a vision centered on "Turning vision into action, connectivity, innovation and shared prosperity." A key highlight of this agenda is the proposal for an SCO framework for sovereign AI infrastructure and governance, ensuring that smaller member states are not left behind in the artificial intelligence revolution.
Furthermore, Sharif touted Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict, pointing to the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' signed in June. He claimed that Pakistan's diplomatic efforts were crucial in mitigating the global economic impact caused by the closure of critical energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
| Issue | Pakistan's Position | India's Position |
|---|---|---|
| Indus Waters Treaty | Must be honored unconditionally. | Suspended due to terror-induced security crises. |
| PCA Court | Sought legal determination of treaty status. | Views the body as illegally constituted. |
| Regional Security | Blames Afghan-based terrorism. | Blames Pakistan-based terror networks. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did India put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance?
India took this step as a punitive measure following the Pahalgam terror attack, signaling that terror and treaties cannot coexist.
2. What is the 'Makkah Defence Alliance'?
It is a trilateral defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, which Sharif described as fundamentally defensive in nature.
