Ready to forestall India's IWT threat: PM

Express Tribune

a day ago

Listen to article
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan always wanted peace in the region and was willing to discuss all bilateral issues with India on the negotiation table if India showed sincerity of purpose and cooperation.
Addressing the second trilateral summit in Lachin city of Azerbaijan, the prime minister referred to the recent aggression of India and said that with Allah Almighty's infinite blessings and kindness, with the support of people of Pakistan, and friendly countries, and resolute response of the armed forces, they emerged victorious.
In his speech, the prime minister further said that Pakistan wanted peace in the region and that required talks on the table to discuss the issues that needed urgent attention and amicable solution like the issue of Kashmir which should be resolved according to the UNSC resolutions and as per aspiration of the people of Kashmir.
The prime minister said unfortunately, India tried to weaponise the Indus Waters Treaty which was a lifeline for the 240 million population of Pakistan that used the water for agriculture, drinking and other purposes.
"It is most unfortunate that India tried to threaten to stop the flow of water into Pakistan. This is not possible, this is never possible and will not be possible Insha'Allah. We are making proper arrangements to ensure that India never ever does it," he emphatically maintained.
The prime minister said if India wanted to talk on countering terrorism with sincerity of purpose, Pakistan would be willing to talk to them on this issue as well.
"We are the biggest victim of terrorism around the globe and lost 90,000 valuable lives and suffered $150 billion worth of economic losses over the last many decades. There can be no bigger manifestation of our commitment and intention to beat this menace for all times to come," he added.
If India showed serious and honest cooperation, he said Pakistan would be willing to discuss all the issues, including promotion of trade with India, on the negotiation table.
The prime minister also appreciated the role of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir who, he said, led the armed forces of Pakistan to fight with great bravery and the highest level of professional acumen while the entire nation was standing behind them.
The prime minister said that during the conflict with India, he found the Field Marshal as 'God-fearing, fearless, firm with iron resolve, patience and fortitude to face that aggression.'
He reiterated that during the recent conflict, India failed to bring out any credible evidences against Pakistan and rejected their sincere offer for a neutral and transparent investigation into so-called Pahalagam incident by any international body.
Azerbaijan's Independence Day
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for unity, peace and justice in the region while highlighting the deepening bonds among Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, declaring the relationship as now "three souls and one heart."
In his address at the Independence Day Ceremony of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin, PM Shehbaz praised the leadership and bravery of the Azerbaijani people, who under President Aliyev's "visionary and dynamic leadership" liberated the region of Karabakh after decades of occupation.
The addressing dignitaries also included President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye.
"It is a matter of great honor to be here today, celebrating both Azerbaijan's Independence Day and Pakistan's Youm-e-Takbeer - the day we became a nuclear power in 1998," the Prime Minister stated, underscoring the symbolic significance of May 28 for both nations.
In his address, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan and paid tribute to the sacrifices of their armed forces and martyrs. He emphasized the unwavering support that Pakistan and Turkey provided during Azerbaijan's struggle for territorial integrity.
"When Armenia attacked Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey stood like a rock beside it. And today, when India attacked Pakistan, President Erdogan and President Aliyev stood like a formidable fortress beside us. This is true brotherhood," Shehbaz Sharif said.
The Prime Minister spoke candidly about recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. Referring to the April 22 incident in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, he condemned India's immediate blame on Pakistan without evidence.
"Pakistan offered an international inquiry commission for a free and transparent probe, but instead, India launched a deadly attack that killed 36 innocent Pakistanis, including children," he revealed. "We had no choice but to defend our nation."
Shehbaz detailed Pakistan's military response, describing the downing of six Indian fighter jets - including four Rafales — and significant damage to Indian military installations. He praised the composure and leadership of Pakistan's armed forces, particularly Air Chief and Field Marshal COAS Asim Munir, for a swift and measured retaliation.
"At 9 a.m., Field Marshal Asim Munir informed me that India had requested a ceasefire. I said, Allah Almighty has granted us a glowing victory - we must now act wisely, not prolong the conflict."
Sharif also turned attention to other global humanitarian crises, particularly in IIOJK and Gaza.
"The valley of Kashmir is red with the blood of freedom fighters. Despite tyranny and brutality, they stand firm in their pursuit of freedom — a right enshrined in UN Security Council resolutions," he said, reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering support.
Addressing the tragedy in Gaza, PM Shehbaz condemned the ongoing atrocities: "Over 52,000 Palestinians — children, women, the elderly — have been martyred. Their blood stains the streets of Gaza. There is no modern precedent to this level of brutality."
He called on the international community to awaken its conscience and echoed global praise for President Erdogan's vocal advocacy for the oppressed. "Let our voices rise - in the name of God — to demand a ceasefire and justice for the people of Gaza."
Describing the trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan as "productive and inspiring," PM Shehbaz concluded his address with a call for regional unity and enduring friendship.
"Our flags today flutter high — as emblems of unity, hope, and strength," he said, adding, "We will continue to stand with our brothers and sisters, whether in Karabakh, Kashmir, or Gaza. This is our shared commitment, our shared destiny."