Pakistan, June 30 -- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without restoring the Indus Waters Treaty, stressing that Pakistan's water rights must remain fully protected. Speaking at an international seminar in Islamabad, the former foreign minister said regional stability depends on all parties honouring their commitments under the agreement.

Bilawal said the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz had demonstrated how regional tensions can quickly affect the global economy. He also accused India of failing to fulfil its obligations under the treaty and warned that using water resources as a political or strategic tool could have serious consequences for regional peace and security.

He described t...