Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that the government will expedite efforts to increase Pakistan’s water storage capacity, citing growing concerns over India’s alleged attempts to “weaponize water” against Pakistan.

During a visit to the National Emergencies Operations Center, the prime minister referenced a recent supplemental order by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which reaffirmed that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned, however, that India harbors “evil designs” that threaten Pakistan’s water rights.

In response, the government plans to fast-track development of non-controversial water storage projects under the Water Accord with provinces, leveraging legal provisions that support these initiatives. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the role of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in managing such risks and ensuring disaster preparedness.

He instructed relevant authorities to issue regular weather alerts and disaster warnings via SMS and phone messages in coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Recalling the devastating floods of 2022, which he described as among the worst in the world, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters like cloudbursts and glacial melting, despite the country’s minimal contribution to global emissions.

He cited the tragic incident in Swat as a recent example of the human cost of inadequate preparedness, calling for a comprehensive review and a collaborative mechanism with provinces to prevent similar tragedies. He also directed the compilation of a detailed report on the incident.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that after the 2022 floods, the government engaged in talks for foreign aid and public-private partnerships to build resilient infrastructure.

Commending the National Emergencies Operations Center, the prime minister expressed confidence in its role in bolstering Pakistan’s emergency response and resilience. He assured full government support for the NDMA’s institutional strengthening and capacity building.

He praised the NDMA for efficiently carrying out international relief efforts, particularly in Turkiye and Myanmar, and stressed the importance of real-time data sharing and early warning systems with provincial authorities.

NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik also briefed the prime minister on the monsoon outlook, current flood risks, and preparedness measures taken by the authority.