Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned India that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with a decisive response.
“You threaten to stop our water. If you attempt such a move, Pakistan will teach you a lesson you will never forget,” he said while addressing an event on International Youth Day in Islamabad on Tuesday.
He stressed that water was crucial for Pakistan’s survival and that the country would not compromise on its rights under international agreements.
Sharif also reflected on the recent military achievement against India, recalling the May 10 victory when Pakistan’s armed forces successfully downed six Indian fighter jets. “A new Pakistan has emerged after the armed forces of Pakistan defeated India,” he said, calling it a historic moment for the nation.
He added that India’s pride was “sunk” on May 10, a day that would be remembered in Pakistan’s military history.
وزیرعظم محمد شہباز شر یف نے کہا ہے کہ اپنی آزادی کا تحفظ کرنا جانتے ہیں۔ دشمن نے ہمارا ایک بوند بھی پانی روکا تو ایسا سبق سکھائیں گے جسے وہ ہمیشہ یاد رکھے گا۔ نوجوانوں کے عالمی دن کے موقع پر اسلام آباد میں تقریب سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ 14 اگست 1947 کو حاصل کی گئی… pic.twitter.com/ZAK4rgTAtr
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 12, 2025
Additionally, the PM launched two key initiatives during the International Youth Day ceremony: the Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Prospective Overseas Workers and the ‘Laptops for All’ Programme.
The PM announced the distribution of 100,000 free laptops to talented students across Pakistan purely on merit, as part of the government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment through digital access and education.
He emphasised that the distribution would cover all four provinces, the federal capital, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that the process would be conducted transparently, without favouritism or nepotism.
“These laptops will be distributed entirely on merit. No one will be favoured on political or personal grounds,” the PM said, adding that the initiative would run parallel to an existing interest-based loan scheme for technology access.
The premier used the occasion to highlight the importance of youth in nation-building and urged them to harness the spirit of national resilience and hard work. “The future of Pakistan lies in the hands of its youth,” he remarked.
PM Shehbaz also extended his congratulations to the nation ahead of the Independence Day, while acknowledging the vital contributions of minorities and all segments of society in the creation and development of Pakistan.
He took the opportunity to honour individuals from minority communities, recognising their contributions across various sectors with special awards at the ceremony.
