ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday warned India that Pakistan’s water resources were a “red line” and said Islamabad would respond directly if New Delhi failed to “come to the right path”, while reiterating that Pakistan wanted peace and stability in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Yadgar-e-Fatah (Victory Monument) on the eve of Independence Day, he said: “Every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line.”
Addressing the ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari openly rejected the idea of a “Greater Israel”, saying such a project would never be realised.
The monument was jointly inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir at a ceremony attended by senior civil and military officials, diplomats and political leaders.
The prime minister said that India must come to the right path, otherwise it will be given a direct response, adding that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
The prime minister said the nation was celebrating Independence Day under the shadow of the monument, which he described as a symbol of the country’s success in the Marka-e-Haq and the sacrifices made by its armed forces.
He paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the armed forces for what he described as Pakistan’s success in the conflict with India, saying the nation’s head was held high while the “enemy” had suffered a “humiliating defeat”.
Sharif congratulated the field marshal and his team on the completion of the monument, saying its distinctive design had been completed in just eight months.
The prime minister said Pakistan had emerged as a symbol of stability in the region and pledged that the government would work to create new opportunities for the country’s younger generation.
He also spoke of Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to prevent the outbreak of new conflicts, saying Pakistan wanted the international community to remain protected from further instability. He recalled Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.
Referring to the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, he said US President Donald Trump had played a role in brokering the truce and expressed hope that relations between Pakistan and the United States would continue to strengthen.
Sharif also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, saying Turkiye had joined the accord and describing it as an initiative aimed at strengthening peace and security in the Middle East.
He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and said Islamabad’s position on Kashmir remained unequivocal. The sacrifices of the people of Kashmir, he added, would not be allowed to go in vain.
On Afghanistan, he urged the Afghan government to ensure that its territory was not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
He said no power could defeat a united nation and warned that Pakistan should not be viewed with hostile intentions.
“We are all heirs to Pakistan, and our differences should not turn into enmity,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Zardari, described Pakistan’s victory in the Marka-e-Haq as a memorable episode in the country’s history and paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans whose sacrifices, he said, had ensured the nation’s security.
He said Pakistan had played an important role in regional peace efforts and continued to work with the international community to promote peace and stability.
He said the country did not want war, recalling that his father had also participated in the struggle in Kashmir.
Referring to diplomatic efforts surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire, President Zardari said Field Marshal Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had played important roles in the process.
He said Pakistan would continue to contribute to international efforts aimed at promoting global peace and prosperity.
Speaking about the situation in Gaza, the president described the continuing bloodshed as unacceptable and said the “genocide” in Gaza could not be justified under any circumstances.
The Victory Monument ceremony was marked by displays of national spirit and patriotism, with contingents of the armed forces, civil armed forces and police from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participating in the event.
Police contingents from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan also took part in the ceremony.
The event was attended by the service chiefs, federal ministers, foreign diplomats, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly and other senior civilian and military officials. Governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Punjab chief minister were also present.
The monument commemorates Pakistan’s account of its victory in the May 2025 conflict with India.
The inauguration of the Victory Monument came as Pakistan is celebrating its 79th Independence Day today (Friday), with the leadership using the occasion to stress national unity, military preparedness and the country’s stated commitment to regional peace.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026