ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 16, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for Pakistan and India to return to the negotiating table to resolve the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute, stressing that sustainable peace in the region hinges on dialogue, not confrontation.
Speaking at a Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitude) ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument to commemorate the success of the armed forces in Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth), the prime minister said the time had come for both countries to decide whether to live as peaceful neighbours or remain entrenched in hostility.
“Pakistan and India have fought three wars, yet achieved nothing,” he said. “We must now speak about Kashmir, trade, and terrorism with sincerity and purpose.”
Recalling the heavy price Pakistan paid in the war on terror — with over 90,000 lives lost and \$150 billion in economic damage — the premier emphasized that peace is the only viable path forward.
Reflecting on the recent escalation, Prime Minister Shehbaz accused India of initiating hostilities under the cover of false propaganda surrounding the Pahalgam incident. He said India rejected Pakistan’s offer for an international investigation and instead targeted innocent civilians, including women and children.
“In response, Pakistan struck back decisively, downing six Indian fighter jets, including MiG and Rafale aircraft,” he said, noting that the counterstrike not only repelled Indian aggression but shattered its illusions of regional dominance.
According to the prime minister, India had fired multiple missiles into Pakistani territory on the night of May 9 and 10. Following his approval, the Chief of Army Staff led a swift and strategic retaliation targeting Indian air bases and military infrastructure.
“The military leadership remained in close contact with me throughout the crisis,” he revealed. “Within hours, Pakistan delivered a response that stunned both friends and adversaries.”
Following Pakistan’s successful retaliatory strikes, India extended a ceasefire offer which was accepted by the Chief of Army Staff, signaling a de-escalation of tensions.
Highlighting India’s vast defense expenditures and ambitions of hegemony, the prime minister said Pakistan’s forces dismantled that narrative with professionalism and resolve. “India thought its battlefield superiority was assured, but Pakistan crushed that illusion,” he declared.
He praised the unity of the Pakistani nation during the crisis, stating, “From Peshawar to Karachi, every citizen stood shoulder to shoulder with our defenders.”
The premier also paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the country’s creation in 1947 and stressed the need for economic progress driven by Pakistan’s immense human and natural resources. “Now is the time for Pakistan to rise as a strong, self-reliant nation among the comity of nations,” he urged.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also expressed gratitude to friendly countries — including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States — for their support during the conflict. He especially thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the situation.
Acknowledging the leadership of the armed forces, he lauded Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Admiral Naveed Ashraf for their strategic command during Marka-e-Haq.
The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, top military and civil officials, and prominent personalities from various sectors.
The event concluded with a spectacular flypast by the Pakistan Air Force over the capital, symbolizing national pride and unity. In a statement, the PAF described the display as a tribute to the historic victory and a reaffirmation that Pakistan’s defense remains invincible.
