Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Tuesday that sustainable peace was not possible without the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Addressing an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, the former foreign minister said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had affected the global economy. He said India had not honoured its commitments and warned that using water resources as a weapon was dangerous.
Bhutto-Zardari said India must comply with the Indus Waters Treaty, adding that the waters of the River Indus were the guarantee of Pakistan's survival.
He reiterated that sustainable peace could not be achieved without the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty. Bilawal said Pakistan's water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty must be fully protected.
Bhutto-Zardari said Pakistan had complied with the terms of the ceasefire, while India had not fully honoured its commitments. Bilawal said Pakistan's recognised rights over the waters of the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers must be respected.
He said the issue of water should not be viewed merely as a technical dispute but as a matter of national security.
Bhutto-Zardari said any attempt to undermine Pakistan's water rights would receive a national response. Bhutto-Zardari said Pakistan would not compromise on the fundamental rights of its people.
He said the use of water as a weapon was contrary to international law.
Bhutto-Zardari said Pakistan sought peace and added that the world needed new laws to address emerging challenges.
He said no one should be under any misconception regarding Pakistan's position on the issue of water.
