Senior PPP leaders praises Pakistan's action against Indian aggression

Express Tribune

13-05-2025

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Senior leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday praised Pakistan's response to recent Indian aggression, calling it a diplomatic and military success, and reaffirmed the party's commitment to national unity and the Kashmir issue.
At a joint press conference, PPP leaders Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Sherry Rehman, and Nadeem Afzal Chan said Pakistan had demonstrated strength and resolve during the recent three-day standoff, which included the downing of Indian aircraft and drones.
Sherry Rehman acknowledged the role of international efforts in de-escalating the conflict, crediting U.S. President Donald Trump and other diplomatic partners with facilitating the ceasefire.
'Pakistan remains committed to peace but will defend its sovereignty when challenged,' she said.
Nayyar Bukhari said India could not unilaterally revoke the Indus Waters Treaty and called for a unified focus on both external threats and internal challenges.
He praised the government's response and noted PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's international engagement during the crisis.
Nadeem Afzal Chan referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest address as a reflection of strategic failure, stating it revealed 'frustration and retreat.'
He added that Pakistan's unity had countered efforts to sow political division.
The PPP reaffirmed its support for the armed forces and called for continued national solidarity on issues of sovereignty and Kashmir.
India-Pakistan ceasefire follows escalation, but fragile calm persists
A full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10 after days of heightened military exchanges that brought both nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war.
The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Tensions flared following an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 civilians dead.
India blamed Pakistan-based elements without presenting any evidence, and Islamabad rejected the allegations. In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—moves Pakistan called an 'act of war.'
The conflict intensified with India's missile attacks and drone incursions as it launched its Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan's military launched Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos in retaliation, and announced it had downed five Indian jets—including Rafales—and intercepted 77 Israeli-made Harop drones.
Following diplomatic intervention led by Washington, both sides agreed to halt military activity across land, air, and sea. However, hours after the truce, fresh skirmishes were reported along both sides of the Line of Control.
Explosions were heard in Srinagar, and exchanges of fire were cited by officials on both sides, raising concerns over the ceasefire's durability.
Pakistan's Foreign Office reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire while accusing India of violations.
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan had not requested the truce, asserting that India had initiated the ceasefire request following Pakistan's retaliatory strikes. He described war between two nuclear powers as 'inconceivable' and 'an absurdity.'
Chaudhry confirmed that no Indian pilot was in Pakistani custody, dismissing viral claims as misinformation.
He called Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos a unified national response to Indian aggression, noting Pakistan had delivered on its commitments to respond decisively and proportionately.
Cities across Pakistan observed Youm-e-Tashakkur (Day of Thanks) on Sunday to mark what was hailed domestically as a successful defence of national sovereignty.