As the international community observes World Wetlands Day on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan strongly rejected any attempt to weaponise water, calling it a serious violation of international laws.

The prime minister, in his message on the day annually observed on February 2, said that while adhering to international laws, Pakistan believed in the full and equitable implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

He said that World Wetlands Day provided Pakistan and the international community with an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable conservation and management of wetlands.

He said that this year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, was a reminder of the cultural context and significance of the wetlands.

The prime minister said that Pakistan was a signatory to the Wetland Convention of 1971, which highlighted the wise use and conservation of wetlands for humanity.

Highlighting the key role of wetlands in confronting severe environmental and economic challenges and protecting against drought, floods, and extreme climate change impacts, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the wetlands, including lakes, glaciers, inland water bodies, coastal areas, and mangroves, contributed to the conservation of biodiversity, protection against climate change, and effective water management.

He reiterated that the wetlands were an essential part of the livelihood for millions of Pakistanis and that the depletion of wetlands led to reduced employment opportunities for people, increased food prices at the national level, and also impacted the form of floods and droughts.

“The conservation of wetlands is not merely an environmental duty to combat climate change; it is a guarantee of social welfare at both individual and collective levels. Let us, on this day, renew our pledge that — individually and collectively — we will regard wetlands as our precious national, environmental, social, and cultural asset and make every effort for their protection,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also reiterated that at the global level, the Pakistan government would continue to raise its voice for the promotion of fair, legal, and peaceful use of wetlands among countries.