Speaking at a peace jirga on law and order held in Peshawar, attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and other political and military leaders as well as tribal elders, the premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to securing its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
The pime minister reiterated Pakistan’s right to every drop of water in line with the Indus Water Treaty, and announced plans to store water in key projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams.
He said a decision on the water issue would be made by inviting all four provinces for discussions on how to increase water reserves so that India’s malicious designs are buried.
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PM Shehbaz recalled the enemy’s ambush on May 6 and 7, which killed and injured innocent Pakistanis. “At 2:30 am, the Field Marshal woke me up and said India had attacked again. What the Pakistan Army taught India under his leadership is a lesson they will never forget,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan, honoured in this war, would also rise as a great nation economically. “The nation is united today and must make big and tough decisions for Pakistan’s success,” he said.
The prime minister criticized the Modi government, stating, “Modi’s government is licking its wounds after a crushing defeat and is in an angry, hysterical state. Sometimes they threaten to shoot, other times to cut off water. Let me be clear, every drop of water is Pakistanis’ right. If India makes any move again, they will be taught the same lesson.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan rose in the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. India blamed Pakistan for the assault without providing evidence. Islamabad condemned the attack, denied New Delhi’s claims and callied for an independent probe.
India escalated tension by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. In retaliation, Pakistan hinted at suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement.
Also read: Won’t allow India to cross IWT red line: PM
The confrontation them escalated on May 6–7 as India launched its attack against Pakistan, that spiralled into the gravest military clash between the neighbors in decades. Dozens were killed before diplomacy prevailed and a US-brokered ceasefire was announced.
PM vows K-P’s due share in NFC
The prime minister hailed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of its tribal leaders.
“They have made sacrifices that history will never forget. Whenever Pakistan was in need, you put aside all differences and stood united in raising the flag of Pakistan. I have come to salute you from the depths of my heart,” he said.
He said the views expressed by tribal elders must be taken seriously and addressed through collective decision-making, adding that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had called for a review of the NFC Award, which has not been revised in 15 years.
Vowing to ensure Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives its long-overdue financial rights under the NFC Award, Sharif announced the formation of a committee to review the province’s share, with its first meeting expected in August.
He said one percent of the 2010 NFC’s divisible pool had been allocated to the province for counter-terrorism efforts, amounting to over Rs700 billion.
Read more: Gandapur demands NFC meeting
Calling K-P the frontline in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, he said the funding would continue until peace is fully restored. He also noted that Balochistan, despite facing similar security challenges, had not received comparable support under the NFC — an issue he suggested may need reassessment.
He assured that any issues faced by the province would be discussed and resolved in collaboration with the provincial government, local leaders, and military officials.
PM Shehbaz praised the sacrifices of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the 1947 referendum, and highlighted the province’s continued support in times of national crisis, including the wars with India.
He also referred to the collective prayers of the people during the 1965 and 1971 conflicts, which he said had played a key role in Pakistan’s victory.