Shehbaz Sharif Denies Use Of Nuclear Weapons During Conflict With India, Says Paks Nuke Not For Aggression
Speaking to a gathering of Pakistani students in Islamabad, Sharif addressed concerns about the use of nuclear weapons amid the four-day military escalation triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a major military offensive targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian armed forces conducted strikes on May 7, hitting nine terror sites, including locations in Bahawalpur, reportedly a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group.
Sharif confirmed that 55 Pakistani citizens lost their lives during the Indian strikes, but emphasized that Pakistan had responded 'with full might.' However, he ruled out any consideration of nuclear retaliation. "Pakistan's nuclear programme is designed for peaceful purposes and national self-defence. It is not intended for aggression,' he reiterated.
The Prime Minister also addressed swirling rumors of a brewing power struggle within the country's top leadership. Dismissing speculation that President Asif Ali Zardari might be forced to resign and that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir was eyeing the presidency, Sharif called such claims "baseless."
'Field Marshal Asim Munir has never shown any interest in becoming the president, and there is no such plan under consideration,' Sharif told The News in a separate interview.
The comments come amid heightened political tension and a recent surge in military activity, raising international concerns about regional stability in South Asia. Sharif's remarks appear aimed at both reassuring the public and signaling restraint to the global community.
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Hindustan Times
13 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
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13 minutes ago
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News18
25 minutes ago
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Last Updated: Najmul said he was detained despite providing all original identification documents and is now uncertain about his future in the state For Najmul, a registered voter from West Bengal's Bongaon, life in Haryana was peaceful. He had moved to the state four months ago for a housekeeping job and also brought his parents with him. However, on July 19, Najmul's calm life took a turn for the worse, leaving the family traumatised. According to Najmul, police arrived at his residence in Haryana last week and asked him to show his identity documents. 'I showed them all my IDs," he told News18. However, he was asked to accompany the cops for further verification. 'They made us sit under a tree. Then the police asked me, 'When did you come from Bangladesh?' I was shocked. I am a bonafide Indian citizen. Why were they accusing me like this?" Najmul asked. He added that he was not the only one detained. 'There were others from Murshidabad and Malda who were also brought there," he said. Najmul claimed his father came to meet him that night with original copies of all their documents, but was not allowed to hand them over. He also alleged that he was not given any food until the next morning. Najmul's biggest worry now is the uncertainty that looms over his future. 'We come to Haryana for work. This time they picked me up and kept me for five days. If they pick me up again, will I have to prove myself every time? How many times will we face this harassment?" he asked. On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had condemned the BJP after the Gurugram administration in Haryana detained 52 Bengali-speaking migrant workers on suspicion that they were illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and sought background verification reports from the Bengal government. Addressing a press conference, Banerjee said: 'It is our duty to protect citizens. If the BJP thinks this is how it can delete the names of voters and win elections, as it did in Delhi and Maharashtra, then it is making a big mistake." The chief minister is slated to begin a year-long 'Bhasha Andolan" from July 27 to protest against the detention of Bengali-speaking individuals in BJP-ruled states. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
