After truce, PM looks to settling IWT, Kashmir disputes

Express Tribune

11-05-2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif interacts with President Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting at the Presidency. PHOTO: INP
Listen to article
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan, as a responsible state, responded positively to the ceasefire in view of regional peace and well-being of millions of people living in this region.
In a televised address to nation, the premier expressed the hope that all the outstanding issues including the water distribution, Jammu and Kashmir dispute and all other unresolved issues would now be settled by holding negotiations and adopting a peaceful path.
The prime minister wholeheartedly congratulated the nation for demonstrating to the world that their self-respect and dignity were more precious than life itself, adding, "If anyone challenges their sovereignty, they stand like an iron wall and overpower their enemies".
"What the enemy did was a cowardly and shameful act — naked aggression," the prime minister said, noting that the brave and professional armed forces delivered a highly effective response that would be remembered as a defining chapter in modern warfare.
He said under the pretext of the Pahalgam incident, India attempted to drag Pakistan into war, despite Pakistan's immediate offer to cooperate in an impartial and transparent international investigation.
In the face of a flurry of false allegations, Pakistan showed restraint and patience, the prime minister said, adding that India attempted to infiltrate Pakistani territory with drones and missile attacks targeting innocent civilians and mosques, while also testing Pakistan's patience with botched strikes on military installations and water resources.
The prime minister said that following repeated acts of aggression, Pakistan chose to respond in kind—a language the enemy understood well.
He said Pakistan made it clear that the negotiations meant for the table would now take place on the battlefield.
He praised the armed forces of Pakistan, saying their soldiers were unfamiliar with the concept of "defeat".
He said that within a few hours, Pakistan's forces silenced the enemy's guns, and the world would remember how they turned enemy air bases, installations and stockpiles into ashes. "Even the Rafale failed in the encounter."
The prime minister said their fight was against an outdated mindset rooted in hatred, aggression, religious bigotry, and anti-humanity. "This is a victory for truth and our principles," he said, adding that Pakistan responded to the enemy in a manner what deemed fit by a respected nation.
The 240 million people of the country expressed their unwavering support and affection for the valiant armed forces, standing firmly beside them throughout the conflict.
He also thanked the nation for their prayers for the armed forces' success, saying that as a result, Almighty had granted them a tremendous victory.
On this historic victory, he paid tribute to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and every officer and personnel of the armed forces.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to Gen Asim Munir, on behalf of himself and the entire nation, for his wise and bold leadership that led to victory. He also praised the air chief and his eagles for making the nation proud.
The prime minister thanked US President Donald Trump for his sincere role in facilitating the ceasefire.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Türkiye, Qatar, the United Kingdom, UN Secretary-General, and other stakeholders for their constructive role in facilitating the ceasefire.
The prime minister especially mentioned Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Mohamed bin Zayed, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and President Tayyip Erdogan who stood with Pakistan like brothers.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for their unprecedented and historic support.
He also remembered Irtaza Abbas Shaheed who embraced martrydom during the Indian aggression and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families who lost their members.
He thanked all allied and opposition parties, as well as the entire political leadership and parliament, for their unprecedented unity and solidarity. He also acknowledged his leader, Nawaz Sharif, for his wise leadership and experience, and President Asif Zardari for his valuable consultations.
The prime minister commended mediapersons and social media users for effectively countering Indian fake news through responsible reporting and professional integrity, expressing hope that this precedent would serve as a guiding example moving forward.
Expressing his firm belief, he stated that after overcoming this crisis, all governments and institutions would focus their energies toward Pakistan's progress and prosperity, vowing not to rest until the country secures its rightful place among the comity of nations.
Separately, the prime minister reached out to the country's political leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, to brief them on Pakistan's effective response to India through Operation "Bunyan-al-Marsous".
He called on the president at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, were also present at the meeting, according to a statement from the President's Office.
President Zardari lauded the exceptional professionalism and bravery of the country's armed forces for giving a befitting response to Indian unprovoked aggression and missile attacks.
The president reaffirmed that Pakistan, as a responsible and peace-loving nation, had demonstrated considerable restraint in the face of Indian provocations. He regretted that continued Indian belligerence had left Pakistan with no option but to respond decisively in defence of its sovereignty and to protect its citizens.
The president emphasised that the entire Pakistani nation stands united and resolutely supports its armed forces in the face of Indian aggression. He reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
On the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, President Zardari reaffirmed his faith in the country's armed forces, lauding their befitting response to Indian aggression and defending the nation's sovereignty.
"I have always had faith in the armed forces of Pakistan—the army, navy, and air force," he said, according to a statement from the President's Secretariat.
"Their response to the aggressor India has been befitting, and we have severely dented their so-called military might."
President Zardari stated that the bravery and resolve demonstrated by Pakistan's armed forces is a testament to the strength derived from the Two Nation Theory and the country's unshakeable faith in Almighty. "As an Islamic state, our belief gave us the courage and the strength to stand against a country five times our size," he noted.
The president extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and all fighting arms of the military, whose restless efforts and bravery led to this victory. "The nation must jubilate, and also pray for those who embraced shahadat," he said.
Reiterating Pakistan's principled stance, the president emphasized that enduring peace in South Asia hinged upon the just and final resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, besides resolving other outstanding issues with India, particularly the Indus Waters Treaty.
President Zardari also expressed gratitude to all friendly countries, including the USA, Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and especially China who stood with Pakistan in an hour of turbulence.
Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to peace, the president stated, "Pakistan seeks peace, not provocation. But we will never compromise on our sovereignty."
Meanwhile, the prime minister held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, expressing gratitude for his support of Pakistan's retaliatory action, Operation Bunyan-al-Marsoos, in response to the Indian aggression.
He thanked Bilawal for standing firmly with the government and the nation during this critical time, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
"Your support for the country's principled and powerful response to India's hostile actions is deeply appreciated," the prime minister said.
In turn, the PPP chairman praised the prime minister for his exemplary leadership during a period of heightened tensions. He also commended the professionalism and determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces in delivering a strong response to Indian provocations.
"We salute the armed forces for their courage and professional excellence in responding to Indian aggression," Bilawal said. "The entire nation stands united with our military in the defence of Pakistan's sovereignty."
During the conversation, both leaders emphasized the importance of political unity and national resolve in the face of external threats.
The premier also held telephonic conversations with Awami National Party (ANP) chief Aimal Wali Khan and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Abdul Aleem Khan to discuss the regional situation.
The prime minister briefed both the leaders on the recent developments and took them into confidence regarding Pakistan's stance and actions in response to rising tensions with India, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
Aimal and Aleem expressed gratitude for being consulted and extended full support to the government's retaliatory measures under Operation Bunyan-al-Marsous.
The political leaders praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership during the recent crisis, calling it "exemplary" in the face of rising regional tensions.
They also praised the professional excellence and unwavering resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces, commending the military's swift and decisive response to external threats.
"The entire nation stands united with our brave armed forces in defending our beloved homeland," both leaders affirmed during their discussions with the prime minister.
The premier also held telephonic conversations with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, BAP leader Khalid Hussain Magsi and PML-Q's Chaudhry Salik Hussain about the current security situation and Pakistan's measured yet firm response to Indian aggression, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
"Alhamdulillah, the armed forces of Pakistan have today given a powerful and well-coordinated response to India's unprovoked aggression," the premier said. "India launched missile and drone attacks on Pakistan, targeting Noor Khan Airbase and other locations early this morning, killing innocent civilians."
Despite repeated provocations, he stated, Pakistan had exercised restraint. He recalled how, after the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan had demanded an impartial investigation—an offer India rejected. However, Saturday's assaults left Pakistan with no choice but to respond decisively.
The prime minister confirmed that Pakistan's retaliatory action under Operation Bunyan-al-Marsous specifically targeted Indian military installations involved in the attacks. "Today, we have delivered a resounding reply and avenged the blood of the innocent," he said. "We are proud of our armed forces."
The premier congratulated the nation and praised the armed forces for their valor and professionalism.
The country's top political leaders reiterated their support, applauding the military's composure and tactical expertise. They also pledged full solidarity with the government and armed forces during this critical juncture.
"The professionalism of our armed forces in defending the homeland deserves the highest praise," said the joint political leadership, assuring the prime minister of their united support.
In return, the prime minister expressed gratitude for their clear and unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of national unity in the face of external threats.
With input from APP