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Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan a ‘peaceful nation' but reserves right to give ‘befitting reply': PM Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that while Pakistan is a peaceful nation, it reserves the right to deliver a 'befitting response' in its defence. His remarks came as the country marked Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Thanks) to honour its military. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end a four-day-long military confrontation marked by intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges. According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered, and rallies were held nationwide to express solidarity with the armed forces. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad as part of the 'Youm-e-Tashakkur' observance. 'Pakistan is a peaceful country, but it reserves the right to give a befitting response in its defence,' he said, referring to the recent military confrontation with India. He praised the armed forces for responding 'befittingly and effectively' and said they had written a 'golden chapter' in the country's military history. Shehbaz Sharif also paid a visit to the home of squadron leader Usman Yousaf, who was killed in the recent Indian strikes, according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan. He was accompanied by defence minister Khawaja Asif, army chief general Asim Munir, and information minister Attaullah Tarar. The prime minister offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the fallen officer. Later, he visited the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi to check on the condition of soldiers and civilians injured in the attacks. 'Youm-e-Tashakkur' was observed for the second time since the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, with the first observance held on Sunday featuring nationwide rallies in support of the armed forces. 'Pakistan will never compromise on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and core national interests,' Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari said during the day's events. Meanwhile, deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar defended Pakistan's actions, stating that the country responded to India's 'unprovoked' aggression by exercising its right to self-defence. Dar made the remarks during a meeting with UK foreign secretary David Lammy at the ministry of foreign affairs. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the recent South Asian tensions and the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan, according to a statement from the foreign office. With PTI inputs
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Marka-e-Haq: PM, COAS visit CMH to inquire after health of injured troops
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi to inquire about the health of soldiers and civilians injured during Marka-e-Haq. The prime minister was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, according to the statement released from Prime Minister (PM Office). During the visit, the prime minister lauded the unparalleled bravery, determination and sense of duty shown by the wounded soldiers during Marka-e-Haq. The way our armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is truly unprecedented, said PM Shehbaz during his visit. The nation is observing Youm-e-Tashakur (Day of Gratitute) across Pakistan today to mark the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq and to pay tribute to the armed forces and the resilient people of the country following the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos. The day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers in mosques throughout the country. Special supplications were offered for Pakistan's stability, prosperity, and unity. Prayers were also held for the freedom of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Following the Namaz-e-Shukr, Quran recitations were held for the success of the armed forces and the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the nation. A 31-gun salute was presented in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes echoed across all provincial capitals, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, as Pakistan marked Youm-e-Tashakur to celebrate the historic victory of Operation Bunyan Marsoos. Gun salutes, change of guard ceremonies, and floral wreaths laid at monuments to the fallen were part of the day-long events honouring the courage and sacrifices of Pakistan's defenders. Prime Minister, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, visited the residence of Shaheed Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf. PM Shehbaz and COAS met with the family members of the martyr and offered prayers for the elevation of his rank in the hereafter. The Prime Minister praised the dedication and sense of duty demonstrated by Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf during Marka-e-Haq, sources added. President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz have also issued special messages to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur declaring the success of Operation Bunyan Marsoos as a joint victory of Pakistan's armed forces and its proud, dignified people. President Asif Ali Zardari, in his official message, praised the courage and professionalism of the armed forces, stating "This victory is not only of our valiant military but of the entire nation that stood united like a solid wall. I thank Almighty Allah for granting us success in this critical hour."
