Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a peace jirga on law and order in Peshawar, issued a strong warning to India, declaring that any future aggression would be met with a forceful and uncompromising response. “What the Pakistan Army taught India under his leadership is a lesson they will never forget,” the prime minister said, referring to the military’s retaliation following an attack on May 6–7. “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.”
The jirga was attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, political leaders, military officials, and tribal elders. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s right to water under the Indus Waters Treaty and announced the government’s resolve to strengthen national water security through key projects like the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. He stressed that all provinces would be consulted to build consensus on expanding water reserves and countering what he described as India’s “malicious designs.”
The prime minister recalled how he was awakened in the middle of the night during the attack. “At 2:30 am, the Field Marshal woke me up and said India had attacked again,” he said, framing the military’s response as a turning point. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, significantly escalated tensions between the two nations. India blamed Pakistan without evidence, prompting Islamabad to deny the allegations and call for an independent investigation.
India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistan, in turn, signaled its readiness to suspend the 1972 Simla Agreement. Tensions peaked with India’s military strike on May 6–7, which resulted in one of the most serious clashes in decades. Dozens were killed before a US-brokered ceasefire brought the conflict to a temporary halt.
During his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also turned his attention to domestic matters, particularly addressing the concerns of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. “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, acknowledging the enduring contributions of the province’s people.
He promised that the province would receive its fair share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Responding to Chief Minister Gandapur’s demand for a review of the NFC, the prime minister announced a committee to examine K-P’s share, with its first meeting set for August. He noted that over Rs700 billion had already been allocated to the province under the NFC’s one per cent counter-terrorism provision from the 2010 agreement. He added that this support would continue until complete peace is restored.
Sharif also highlighted a disparity, noting that Balochistan had not received similar financial support despite facing comparable security threats. He said this was an issue that warranted reassessment.
The prime minister praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s historical contributions, including its decisive role in the 1947 referendum and its unwavering support during national crises. He emphasized the role of collective prayers during the 1965 and 1971 wars, stating they were instrumental in securing Pakistan’s victories. “The nation is united today and must make big and tough decisions for Pakistan’s success,” he said, closing his address with a call for unity and resilience in the face of external and internal challenges.
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