ISLAMABAD:
While lauding the armed forces for their exceptional bravery and professionalism in the recent conflict with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan now holds a position of strength that no major power can block, as the entire nation stands united with one heart and soul alongside the armed forces.
He was speaking at a ceremony held at Islamabad’s Pakistan Monument on Friday to celebrate the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq, marking victory over Indian aggression last week.
Youm-e-Tashakur was observed nationwide to commemorate the historic victory of Marka-e-Haq and pay tribute to the valiant armed forces and people of Pakistan.
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During his address, PM Shehbaz extended his heartfelt salutations to the parents and families of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the beloved homeland. “Today is Youm-e-Tashakur, a day that few witness in the course of history and that comes once in centuries,” he said.
Photo: ISPR
He highlighted that Pakistan’s sincere offer to form an international investigative committee to uncover the truth behind the Pahalgam attack was rejected by the enemy. “Instead, driven by arrogance and intoxicated by power, the adversary launched a brutal attack on Pakistan, killing innocent citizens—including a child, mothers, sisters, elders, and youth—and sent a ruthless message that they could strike anywhere inside Pakistan’s territory,” he added.
PM Shehbaz lauded the exceptional bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces in the conflict, recounting how they shot down six enemy aircraft. “Our pilots swiftly downed Rafale jets and MiG fighters, delivering such a devastating blow that the enemy will never forget it,” he said. Despite this, the enemy continued to issue threats, prompting Pakistan to retaliate on the night of May 9.
He recalled a conversation with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, who told him, “Allow us to deliver such a slap to the enemy’s face that they will remember it for a lifetime. Following this, Pakistan’s air strikes on targets at Pathankot, Udhampur, and other locations by its pilots and Al-Khalid missiles left the enemy with nowhere to hide.”
Photo: ISPR
The premier noted that COAS Munir later informed him that Pakistan had delivered a powerful response, compelling the enemy to request a ceasefire. “I told him there is no greater honor than forcing the enemy to agree to a ceasefire, and I advised accepting the offer,” he said.
He further praised the use of domestically developed technology by the Air Chief Marshal and Pakistan’s pilots, deployed effectively against Indian aircraft, which amazed the world and boosted the confidence of Pakistan’s allies. “From the United States to Japan, many are acknowledging Pakistan’s armed forces for quietly mastering such advanced capabilities,“ he added.
PM Shehbaz also criticised India’s claims of economic and military supremacy, noting that despite boasting of a multi-billion-dollar economy and massive defense spending, “Allah had other plans.” He stated that it was divine will that granted Pakistan this historic victory, which the nation is commemorating with deep gratitude and humility.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaking during a Youm-e-Tashakur ceremony to commemorate Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in Islamabad on May 16, 2025. Photo: ISPR
The premier stressed that Pakistan now holds a position of strength that no major power can block. “Today, the entire nation stands united with one heart and one soul alongside the armed forces. I believe the time has come to begin the journey for which Pakistan was created,” he stated.
He further expressed gratitude to the international community, especially diplomats who supported Pakistan’s firm, fair, and just stance amid rising tensions.
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The premier thanked friendly nations—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye, and China—for their efforts in promoting peace and a ceasefire in the region. He gave special appreciation to US President Donald Trump for his “brave leadership and vision” in seeking to restore peace in South Asia, crediting Trump’s strategic approach with averting what could have been a devastating war.
He strongly condemned India’s baseless propaganda and false allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident, categorically denying any involvement by Pakistan, stating that “Pakistan had nothing to do with that.”
PM Shehbaz warned of the grave consequences had conflict escalated further in a region home to 1.6 billion people. “God forbid if we had reached a nuclear flashpoint,” he said, “imagine who would have survived to tell what happened.”
Photo: ISPR
He stressed that while Pakistan has emerged victorious, the country desires peace above all. “We have won the war but we want peace. We have taught our enemy a lesson but condemned aggression,” he said, adding that Pakistan hopes for a future where the region is prosperous and peaceful, built on hard work and mutual respect.
The PM further stressed that Pakistan and India are permanent neighbours, whether they like it or not, and it is their choice to be either unruly or peaceful neighbours. Reflecting on the history of conflict, he noted, “We have fought three wars, but they solved nothing; instead, they brought poverty, unemployment, and many other problems to both sides.”
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The premier extended a renewed offer to India for dialogue, urging peaceful negotiations to resolve outstanding disputes. “I don’t think we can achieve lasting peace in the region without permanent solutions to Jammu Kashmir and water-sharing issues,” he stated firmly, adding, “Once we solve these, we can then focus on trade, business exchanges, and in the field of counter-terrorism.”
Highlighting Pakistan’s heavy toll in the fight against terrorism, the PM shared the loss of 90,000 Pakistani lives and economic damages amounting to $150 billion. “When was the last time any nation in the world paid even a fraction of this sacrifice?” he asked. “We are combating terrorism not just to restore peace in Pakistan but for the world at large,” he added.
Photo: ISPR
Earlier, the ceremony began with a Quranic recitation, which was also attended by chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, service chiefs, members of the federal cabinet, foreign diplomats, the Deputy Prime Minister, and other government officials.
An aerial display by fighter jets was also part of the event, showcasing their capabilities. The performance was met with enthusiastic chants of “Long live Pakistan” from those present.
