Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday issued a strong warning to India, stating that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with a firm and unforgettable response. Speaking at an International Youth Day event, he called water Pakistan’s lifeline and vowed no compromise on the country’s rights under international agreements.
The prime minister also hailed the May 10 military success, when the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian fighter jets, describing it as a historic moment that humbled India’s pride.
Highlighting youth empowerment, PM Shehbaz announced the distribution of 100,000 interest-free laptops to students based purely on merit, reaffirming his government’s commitment to transparency in education and technology initiatives. He praised the role of minorities in the country’s progress, while Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and State Minister Khel Das Kohistani reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting minority rights, including a 5% job quota and policies promoting interfaith harmony.
Rana Mashhood Khan, Chairman of the PM Youth Program, noted that the initiative traces back to 2011 when Shehbaz Sharif, as Punjab CM, launched Pakistan’s first youth policy, providing laptops, scholarships, and loans. The Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, now a national program, continues to support students across the country.
Separately, the prime minister chaired a review meeting on the recently approved 100MW solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan, directing its completion within a year. Funded entirely by the federal government, the project aims to reduce load-shedding of up to 20 hours a day and extend power to remote areas.
The plan includes six solar parks in Gilgit, eight in Skardu, and six in Diamer, with hundreds of public buildings set to receive solar installations. Battery storage, backup systems, and real-time monitoring will ensure uninterrupted supply, even during harsh weather.
Calling solarisation the most viable solution for GB’s energy needs, PM Shehbaz stressed that integrating renewables into Pakistan’s energy mix is key to tackling climate change. A steering committee led by Federal Energy Minister Sardar Owais Khan Leghari will oversee the project.
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