Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi Tuesday reaffirmed that Pakistan would respond decisively to any attempt by India to block its share of water, terming water security as a \u201cred line\u201d for the country.
\nParticipating in the budget debate in the National Assembly on the Federal Budget 2026-27, Hanif Abbasi said that future conflicts could increasingly revolve around water resources.
\nHe emphasized the importance of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), describing it as a vital agreement governing water distribution between Pakistan and India.
\n\u201cWater is Pakistan\u2019s red line. Any attempt to deprive Pakistan of its legitimate share of water will be met with an appropriate and strong response,\u201d he stated.
\nThe minister urged the government to expedite the completion of major water reservoir projects to ensure long-term water security for future generations.
\nHe stressed that national unity was essential to overcoming both internal and external challenges and paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel in the fight against terrorism.
\nHanif Abbasi said Pakistan had earned recognition as a responsible and trusted state on the global stage, saying its constructive diplomatic role in regional affairs, including efforts related to tensions involving the United States and Iran.
\nHe said that major global powers\u2014including China, Russia, the United States, European Union member states and Central Asian countries\u2014had expressed confidence in Pakistan\u2019s leadership and its role in promoting regional peace and stability.
\nThe minister credited Pakistan\u2019s leadership with facilitating dialogue and fostering understanding among regional stakeholders, saying these efforts had enhanced the country\u2019s international standing.
\nHe said that recent diplomatic achievements as evidence of the wisdom and maturity of Pakistan\u2019s leadership, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
\nCalling for political consensus on issues of national importance, Hanif Abbasi urged all political forces to rise above differences and prioritize Pakistan\u2019s sovereignty, security and development.
\n\u201cWe must work together as one nation and place Pakistan\u2019s interests above all other considerations,\u201d he said.
\nReferring to Pakistan\u2019s nuclear programme, Hanif Abbasi said the country\u2019s strategic capability was the result of contributions made by successive national leaders, scientists and institutions.
\nHe said that former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of the programme, while renowned scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan played a pivotal role in its development.
\nHe also highlighted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif\u2019s decision to authorize the nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998, despite international pressure, describing it as a demonstration of national resolve.
\nThe minister said Pakistan\u2019s nuclear capability has significantly strengthened the country\u2019s defence and contributed to strategic stability in the region.
\nHanif Abbasi emphasized that all ethnic and linguistic communities in Pakistan enjoy equal rights and should continue to coexist in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual respect and national solidarity.
\nExpressing unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he reiterated Pakistan\u2019s commitment to extending political, diplomatic and moral support to their right to self-determination.
\nThe minister said Pakistan\u2019s progress and prosperity depend on national cohesion, political stability and a collective commitment to development and security.
\nHe paid tribute to the armed forces and security personnel safeguarding the country\u2019s borders and acknowledged their sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability.
\nHanif Abbasi called on all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the economy, protect national interests and build a prosperous future for coming generations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi Tuesday reaffirmed that Pakistan would respond decisively to any attempt by India to block its share of water, terming water security as a \u201cred line\u201d for the country. Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly on the Federal Budget 2026-27, Hanif Abbasi said that future conflicts could […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":541248,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-551534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n