Premier praises armed forces, calls for regional harmony and economic progress
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged India to turn the page on past hostilities and work toward peaceful coexistence with Pakistan. Speaking during a ceremony marking Youm-e-Tashakur—a national day of gratitude celebrating Pakistan’s recent military success over India in Marka-e-Haq—the premier called for a renewed dialogue between the two neighbours, with a focus on Kashmir, trade, and counterterrorism.
Addressing a gathering at the Pakistan Monument, Shehbaz said the two countries must choose whether to continue adversarial relations or move forward as peaceful neighbours. “Pakistan and India have fought three wars without achieving anything,” he stated. “We must now focus on resolving the Kashmir dispute and discussing trade and terrorism.”
The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting that the country has lost 90,000 lives and suffered over $150 billion in economic losses. He described Youm-e-Tashakur as a historic occasion, commemorating the armed forces’ resilience and unity in the face of aggression, particularly following the painful events of 1971.
He praised the armed forces’ performance during Marka-e-Haq, when prayers from millions of Pakistanis accompanied the operations by the army, navy, and air force. Referring to recent hostilities, Shehbaz accused India of launching a smear campaign over the Pahalgam incident and rejecting international investigations. “India attacked Pakistan and martyred innocent civilians, but we responded by downing six Indian aircraft, including MiG and Rafale jets,” he added.
Recounting events from the night of May 9 to 10, the premier said India launched missile strikes across various parts of Pakistan. With his approval, the Chief of Army Staff responded by targeting Indian airbases and military installations. “Within hours, Pakistan delivered a powerful and unexpected retaliation, shocking both allies and adversaries,” Shehbaz said. He noted that following Pakistan’s counter-strike, the army chief accepted India’s proposal for a ceasefire.
He criticized India’s massive military expenditures, asserting that its aim for regional dominance was thwarted by Pakistan’s resolute response. “The entire nation—from Peshawar to Karachi—stood united behind our armed forces,” he remarked.
Shehbaz reflected on Pakistan’s founding in 1947 and the sacrifices made for independence. “Now it is our responsibility to elevate Pakistan’s status among the community of nations. We must achieve economic progress by utilizing our abundant natural and human resources,” he emphasized.
The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s allies, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States, for their support. He extended special thanks to former U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts in promoting regional peace.
Shehbaz lauded the professionalism and readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces, commending the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
The event was attended by federal ministers, service chiefs, senior civil and military officials, and notable figures from various sectors.
