Following the “full and immediate” ceasefire agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad after days of military strikes, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan made a deliberate decision to reciprocate “in the same coin, which their enemy knew very well—with force.”
“Pakistan made it clear that negotiations, which should take place at a table, would now be held on the battlefield,” the Prime Minister stated in a national address on Saturday night.
The latest escalation in the decades-old Pakistan-India rivalry began on May 7th when at least 31 civilians, including children, were killed in an unprovoked Indian cross-border attack. In retaliation, Pakistan downed five IAF fighter jets, including three Rafales, and numerous drones.
During the escalation, India deployed drones into Pakistani territory, with the military shooting down nearly 80, including Israeli-made IAI Heron—medium-altitude, long-endurance—unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Earlier on Friday night, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, reported that India launched multiple missile attacks on Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan, Murid, and Shorkot airbases, fired from aircraft.
In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” against India early on Saturday, targeting multiple military bases, including missile storage sites in India.
Subsequently, President Donald Trump announced that Pakistan and India had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” following days of strikes and counter-strikes against each other’s military installations.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
In a national address on regional security, PM Shehbaz stated that, considering regional peace and the lives of millions in the region, Pakistan, as a responsible state, positively responded to the ceasefire.
He expressed hope that all outstanding issues, including water distribution, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and other unresolved matters, would now be settled through negotiations and peaceful means.
The Prime Minister congratulated the entire nation for demonstrating their self-esteem and respect, which they held dearer than their lives, adding, “If anyone challenges our sovereignty, we will stand like an iron wall and overpower our enemies.”
“What the enemy did was a cowardly and shameful act, a naked aggression,” but the brave and professional forces delivered a highly effective response that will be remembered as a chapter in modern warfare.
He said that under the pretext of the Pahalgam incident, India attempted to drag Pakistan into war, despite Pakistan offering cooperation for an impartial and transparent global probe.
In the face of false allegations, Pakistan showed restraint and patience, he said, adding that India attempted to infiltrate territories with drones and missile attacks on innocent people, mosques, and civilians, and tested their patience with botched attacks on military installations and water resources.
He commended the armed forces of Pakistan, whose soldiers are unfamiliar with the word “defeat.”
Within hours, their forces silenced the enemy’s guns, and the world will remember how they turned the enemy’s airbases, installations, and stockpiles into ashes. “Rafale also failed in the encounter.”
The Prime Minister stated that their fight was against the old mindset of religious bigotry. “It is a victory for truth and our principles,” he said, adding that they responded to the enemy in a manner befitting a respected nation.
“The 240 million people of the country showered their love and affection upon their valiant armed forces and stood side by side with them during the conflict,” he added.
He thanked the nation for their prayers for the success of the armed forces, which resulted in a tremendous victory.
He paid tribute to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff General Syed 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 General Syed Asim Munir for his wise and bold leadership, which led to victory, and commended the Air Chief and his “eagles” for making the nation proud.
‘PM thanks Trump, friendly nations’
The Prime Minister thanked US President Trump for his sincere role in the ceasefire.
He also thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkiye, Qatar, the UK, UN Secretary General, and others who played a role in the ceasefire.
He 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.
He expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people, for their unprecedented and historic support.
The Prime Minister remembered Irtaza Abbas Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during the Indian aggression, and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister thanked all allied and opposition parties, the entire political leadership, and parliament for their unity and solidarity, and mentioned his leader, Nawaz Sharif, for his wise leadership and experience, and President Asif Ali Zardari for his valuable consultations.
The Prime Minister appreciated the media persons and social media users who countered Indian fake news with responsible reporting and professional integrity, and expressed hope that the precedent set would guide future actions.
Expressing his firm belief, he said that after overcoming this crisis, all governments and institutions would focus on the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and would not rest until the country achieves a prominent position among nations.
