During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty by placing it in abeyance. He stated, "India's unilateral and illegal attempt to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance defies the provisions of the treaty itself as well as the norms of international law. Pakistan has made it abundantly clear that we will defend the inseparable right of our people on these waters. To us, any violation of the treaty represents an act of war."

Sharif's remarks came in the context of India's decision to suspend the treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India linked the treaty's suspension to Pakistan's ongoing support for cross-border terrorism.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, allocates control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India, while Pakistan controls the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Despite historical tensions and wars, the treaty has remained in effect, although it has faced criticism in India for perceived inequities in water distribution.

In his address, Sharif also reiterated Pakistan's support for the people of Kashmir, stating, "I wish to assure Kashmiri people that I stand with them, Pakistan stands with them, and one day soon India's tyranny in Kashmir will come to a halt."

Interestingly, Sharif expressed Pakistan's willingness to engage in dialogue with India, stating, "Pakistan stands ready for a composite, comprehensive and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues." However, India has consistently rejected calls for third-party mediation in the conflict.

Sharif emphasized Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, claiming that the country has incurred significant financial and social costs, amounting to $150 billion in economic losses. He did not, however, address Pakistan's measures to combat terrorism, a key concern for India.