Pakistan will defend Indus water rights at all costs: Shazia Marri

Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Central Spokesperson Shazia Marri said Pakistan would protect its legitimate water rights under international law and the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that there could be no compromise on an issue directly linked to the country’s economy, agriculture and future.

In a statement, Marri described the Indus River as the lifeblood of Pakistan and a symbol of the country’s civilisation, economy and survival.

She said Pakistan, as a lower riparian state, had internationally recognised water rights and would defend them at all national and international forums.

“Water cannot be used as a political weapon by any country,” she said, adding that the issue concerned the lives, livelihoods and future of millions of people.

Marri said every settlement, farmer and family dependent on the Indus River had a direct stake in the protection of Pakistan’s water resources.

She said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had consistently raised a clear and effective voice for the country’s water rights because access to water was a fundamental right of the people of Pakistan.

The PPP spokesperson said the party would continue to advocate Pakistan’s position under Bilawal’s leadership at national and international forums.

She added that people across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were united in safeguarding the country’s rivers and ensuring a fair share of water.

Marri said unilateral measures could not be allowed to affect the lives of millions of Pakistanis and maintained that all decisions concerning shared water resources must comply with international law, justice and the Indus Waters Treaty.

“The nation’s message is clear: there will be no compromise on water,” she said. “Pakistan will defend its legitimate water rights at all costs.”

She said Pakistan was forcefully presenting its case at every level to secure the future of its rivers, agricultural lands and coming generations.