ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday congratulated the nation on its fitting response to Indian aggression, with its arrogance reduced to nothing but dust.
Speaking to a private news channel, the minister said India had been left licking its wounds after Pakistan’s decisive answer, and that its pride had crumbled.
He noted that India’s policymakers had been compelled to reassess their strategies in light of Pakistan’s firm stance.
Responding to a question on potential talks, he stressed that Pakistan would prioritise three core concerns, namely Indus Waters, Kashmir and terrorism. These issues, he said, must be resolved to ensure peace in the region.
“These issues have been longstanding points of contention between Pakistan and India, and resolving them would require significant diplomatic efforts,” he stated. “Pakistan’s stance on these matters is clear, and any meaningful dialogue would need to address these core concerns.”
To another question, Khawaja Asif said India had misconstrued Pakistan’s restraint as weakness, but the armed forces had delivered a decisive response. He lauded the professionalism and global reputation of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari also congratulated the nation on ‘Thanksgiving Day,’ calling it a moment to honour Pakistan’s unity and strength in the face of recent Indian aggression.
Speaking on the occasion, Leghari praised the country’s leadership and armed forces for defending the nation. “When the enemy attacked, Pakistan stood firm and made history,” he said in a statement.
He credited timely decisions by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other political leaders for steering the country through a testing time. “I pay tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and all leaders who guided Pakistan through this testing time,” he added.
Sardar Awais said the armed forces’ response was a source of national pride. “Every move by the enemy was met with a strong response. Our forces showed courage and professionalism that made every citizen proud,” he said. He further lauded their sacrifices, calling it a shared victory for both the forces and the people.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, Leghari said the country seeks peace but will not accept threats to its sovereignty. “Pakistan has shown the world that while we desire peace, it should never be mistaken for weakness,” he noted. He added that if war is forced upon Pakistan, the response will be decisive.
President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Abdul Aleem Khan said it was a day to recall Allama Iqbal’s words about Muslim victory over adversaries, words that had come true many times in history.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Sunday hailed Pakistan’s latest victory over its adversaries as a “shining symbol of national unity, sacrifice, and visionary leadership,” paying tribute to the armed forces and national leadership for safeguarding the country’s integrity and sovereignty.
Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi also extended heartfelt congratulations to the civil and military leadership for their unified and successful response to hostile provocations.
