Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace with India, even as he hailed the armed forces for a decisive response in the wake of recent hostilities. Speaking at a national ceremony commemorating the success of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, the prime minister said Pakistan had “won the war but seeks peace,” inviting India to “live as a peaceful neighbour.”
Friday’s Youm-e-Tashakur ceremony at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz, service chiefs, members of the federal cabinet, and other civil and military officials. The event featured Quranic recitation, national songs, speeches, and a symbolic flypast.
In his address, the prime minister praised the sacrifices of the martyrs and the leadership of the armed forces, acknowledging the resilience of the Pakistani nation.
“We have won the war but we want peace. We have taught our enemy a lesson but we condemn aggression,” he said. “We want this part of the world to be as prosperous and progressive as others through hard work, undying efforts and living like peaceful neighbours.”
Highlighting the strategic effectiveness of the response, the prime minister said the technology employed by the Pakistan Air Force had not only shocked the adversary but also boosted the confidence of Pakistan’s allies.
“This is a historic development that God brought about within a matter of hours,” he remarked, stating that the capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces were now being discussed from the United States to Japan.
He further asserted that no global power could now obstruct Pakistan’s progress, as the nation stood united.
The prime minister also called for a peaceful resolution to long-standing disputes, particularly the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The lesson is that we have to sit down at the table like peaceful neighbours and settle our outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Without resolving these issues, I don’t think we will have peace in this part of the world on a long-term basis,” he said.
“If we want permanent peace then we need permanent solutions of Jammu and Kashmir and water distribution. Then once we resolve these issues, the sky’s the limit. We can talk of trade, exchange of business communities and cooperate in the field of counter-terrorism,” the premier added.
The premier also lauded the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Admiral Naveed Ashraf for safeguarding Pakistan’s land, air, and maritime frontiers.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the chiefs of the Pakistan Navy and Air Force, federal ministers, and the ambassadors of China, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan.
Earlier in the day, Youm-e-Tashakur observances began with special prayers in mosques across the country, accompanied by a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, according to Radio Pakistan.
