ISLAMABAD: ( WNAM REPORT ):While lauding the armed forces for their exceptional bravery and professionalism in the recent conflict with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan now holds a position of strength that no major power can block, as the entire nation stands united with one heart and soul alongside the armed forces.
He was speaking at a ceremony held at Islamabad’s Pakistan Monument on Friday to celebrate the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq, marking victory over Indian aggression last week.
Youm-e-Tashakur was observed nationwide to commemorate the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq and pay tribute to the valiant armed forces and people of Pakistan.
During his address, PM Shehbaz extended his heartfelt salutations to the parents and families of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the beloved homeland. “Today is Youm-e-Tashakur, a day that few witness in the course of history and that comes once in centuries,” he said.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s sincere offer to form an international investigative committee to uncover the truth behind the Pahalgam attack was rejected by the enemy. “Instead, driven by arrogance and intoxicated by power, the adversary launched a brutal attack on Pakistan, killing innocent citizens—including a child, mothers, sisters, elders, and youth—and sent a ruthless message that they could strike anywhere inside Pakistan’s territory,” he added.
PM Shehbaz lauded the exceptional bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces in the conflict, recounting how they shot down six enemy aircraft. “Our pilots swiftly downed Rafale jets and MiG fighters, delivering such a devastating blow that the enemy will never forget it,” he said. Despite this, the enemy continued to issue threats, prompting Pakistan to retaliate on the night of May 9.
He recalled a conversation with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, who told him, “Allow us to deliver such a slap to the enemy’s face that they will remember it for a lifetime. Following this, Pakistan’s air strikes on targets at Pathankot, Udhampur, and other locations by its pilots and Al-Khalid missiles left the enemy with nowhere to hide.”
The premier noted that COAS Munir later informed him that Pakistan had delivered a powerful response, compelling the enemy to request a ceasefire. “I told him there is no greater honor than forcing the enemy to agree to a ceasefire, and I advised accepting the offer,” he said.
He further praised the use of domestically developed technology by the Air Chief Marshal and Pakistan’s pilots, deployed effectively against Indian aircraft, which amazed the world and boosted the confidence of Pakistan’s allies. “From the United States to Japan, many are acknowledging Pakistan’s armed forces for quietly mastering such advanced capabilities,“ he added.
The premier thanked friendly nations—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye, and China—for their efforts in promoting peace and a ceasefire in the region. He gave special appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his “brave leadership and vision” in seeking to restore peace in South Asia, crediting Trump’s strategic approach with averting what could have been a devastating war.
He strongly condemned India’s baseless propaganda and false allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident, categorically denying any involvement by Pakistan, stating that “Pakistan had nothing to do with that.”
PM Shehbaz warned of the grave consequences had conflict escalated further in a region home to 1.6 billion people. “God forbid if we had reached a nuclear flashpoint,” he said, “imagine who would have survived to tell what happened.”
