Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for delivering a “crushing response” to India’s cowardly night-time attack, declaring that the military had transformed a dark night into a moonlit symbol of victory with their swift retaliation.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly following heightened tensions with India, the Prime Minister confirmed that 27 Pakistani civilians, including children, were martyred in the unprovoked assault, which targeted six cities across the country. “India carried out this aggression under the cover of darkness. But by the grace of Allah, our forces gave a befitting reply. They turned the darkness into light,” he said.

PM Shehbaz confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully shot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, and destroyed key military targets across the Line of Control (LoC). “The Indian dream of military superiority was shattered last night. The Indian forces were stunned. Their jets never made it back,” he added, praising Air Chief Zaheer Babar Sidhu for leading the operation.

He also confirmed that India had targeted six cities, including Azad Kashmir, Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot. “Our jets did not cross the border. Yet our eagles neutralised the threat inside our territory. The Rafale jets are no longer India’s pride—they’re Pakistan’s trophies,” the Prime Minister said.

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Highlighting the impact of Pakistan’s retaliation, PM Shehbaz said, “Last night, India lost its sleep—and our enemies were shaken. Meanwhile, the trust of our allies in Pakistan has grown stronger.”

He went on to share that a funeral for one of the martyrs was being held in Islamabad, attended by the President, the Army Chief, and himself. “Our martyrs are the true heroes of Pakistan. They saved thousands of children from becoming orphans,” he said. “May Allah elevate their ranks.”

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The Prime Minister recalled India’s attempts to blame Pakistan for the recent Pahalgam attack in Occupied Kashmir without any investigation. “Just ten minutes after the incident, India filed an FIR and began accusing Pakistan. They tried to build a global narrative without evidence,” he said. “Pakistan had no link to the Pahalgam attack, and we had even offered cooperation in an impartial probe.”

He went on to reveal that India had earlier been linked to the hijacking of a train in Balochistan, adding that Pakistan possesses irrefutable evidence of Indian involvement. “Our SSG troops saved innocent civilians during that incident,” he noted, calling out India for not even condemning the Pahalgam tragedy and instead mocking it with insensitivity.

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Pakistan’s armed forces remain vigilant 24/7

The premier emphasised that Pakistan’s defence forces were fully prepared for retaliation. “Our forces were ready within 24 hours. We were well aware of India’s intentions. They launched an attack with 80 aircraft. But not a single one of our planes crossed into Indian airspace—yet we took down their Rafales with precision,” he asserted.

He further stated that the Indian military had surrendered at several points, raising white flags on the LoC after suffering heavy losses. “Pakistan’s successful retaliation has not only restored our people’s confidence but also strengthened the trust of our allies.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz also paid tribute to the martyrs of the attack, noting that he, along with the President and the Army Chief, would attend a martyr’s funeral in Islamabad. “Our heroes saved thousands of children from being orphaned. They are the pride of Pakistan,” he said.

PM calls PTI leaders to join hands in making Pakistan great

Prime Minister also called on the opposition, particularly PTI, to set aside political differences and work towards building a stronger and united Pakistan. “Let’s make Pakistan great—together,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded with a powerful call for national unity. “Allah granted Pakistan a great victory last night. I call on PTI—let’s come together and build a stronger, greater Pakistan.”

Following his speech, PM Shehbaz left the House, with opposition members showing approval through desk-thumping—an unusual but significant gesture of solidarity.