Field Marshal Asim Munir vows ironclad defense of water rights

Pakistan’s military leadership has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s water rights amid rising tensions with India over

Pakistan’s military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s water rights, declaring that every necessary step will be taken to ensure Pakistan receives its rightful share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The commitment was made during the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The meeting was chaired by **Field Marshal Asim Munir>, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The forum reviewed the prevailing internal and regional security situation. It also discussed India’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty. The commanders reaffirmed the National Security Committee’s directives regarding the treaty. They pledged to safeguard Pakistan’s legal water rights through all available means in accordance with government policy.

The military leadership said Pakistan’s rightful share of water would be protected. The forum stressed that the country’s water interests are directly linked to national security and public welfare.

The conference also expressed serious concern over what it described as the continued use of Afghan territory by Indian-backed militant groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan. The statement named Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan as the organisations involved in these activities.

The commanders maintained that lasting peace in the region depends on preventing militant groups from using Afghan soil. They said the Afghan Taliban authorities have a responsibility to stop such groups from operating from their territory.

The forum reiterated Pakistan’s right to defend its citizens against terrorism. It said intelligence-based operations under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq would continue against terrorist networks operating from across the border.

The military leadership also stressed the need to strengthen governance in vulnerable areas. It called for improved public services, better administration, and welfare measures to eliminate the links between terrorism and organised crime.

Reviewing the overall security environment, the commanders observed an increase in hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns. The forum said hostile elements were attempting to create instability through externally supported propaganda and misinformation.

The conference strongly condemned all forms of state-sponsored terrorism and proxy warfare. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully prepared to counter conventional, sub-conventional, and hybrid threats.

The commanders also reviewed regional developments and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, and peaceful conflict resolution. The forum reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to international law and regional cooperation for lasting peace.

On Kashmir, the military leadership strongly condemned alleged human rights violations and demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The forum reiterated Pakistan’s continued diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. It maintained that lasting regional peace requires the implementation of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir directed commanders to accelerate the armed forces’ multi-domain transformation plan in line with changing security challenges. He instructed military commanders to maintain the highest standards of vigilance, operational readiness, and professional excellence while protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.