Condemning the unprovoked Indian strikes that resulted in the martyrdom of at least 31 civilians and injuries to 57 others, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged on Wednesday that every drop of the martyrs’ blood shed in the attack would be accounted for.
In a televised address to the nation, PM Shehbaz stated that India had committed a grave error by resorting to aggression the previous night, believing that Pakistan would retreat. However, he asserted that New Delhi would face the consequences of its actions.
“India forgets that the Pakistani nation comprises brave sons who have always fought for the respect and defense of the motherland, even to their last drop of blood,” the premier added.
He highlighted that the entire world witnessed how, within a few hours, their numerically superior enemy was humbled as Pakistan Air Force (PAF) eagles shot down five Indian combat jets, reducing them to fragments and ashes, shattering what was once considered their pride.
“This response resonated with the thunderous spirit of Squadron Leader MM Alam, who struck the enemy with formidable force,” he observed.
He referenced the funeral prayer of Shaheed Irtaza Abbas, a seven-year-old child who tragically lost his life after being struck by shrapnel in his home, where he was present with his mother and brother.
“A tender flower withered and attained martyrdom,” he said, adding that the nation paid tribute to the martyrs and their families, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
“The cowardly enemy is attacking innocent people. Pakistan has demonstrated how to respond with a decisive blow,” he added.
The PM recounted that in a one-hour engagement along the Line of Control (LoC), PAF pilots, displaying bravery and professionalism while operating within Pakistani territory, reduced enemy jets to ashes. He emphasized that Pakistan had also proven its superiority in conventional warfare.
He conveyed the nation’s salute, along with his own, to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and every officer and soldier of Pakistan.
The prime minister expressed regret that the accusations leveled against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam attack were unfounded.
He emphasized that as a peaceful nation, Pakistan had offered an international, transparent, and credible investigation, which was acknowledged by the world. However, India disregarded all international laws and norms by resorting to aggression.
He underscored that under international law and UNSC resolutions, Kashmir has been and will remain a globally recognized dispute until Kashmiris exercise their right to self-determination in a free and impartial environment, in accordance with UN resolutions.
“India can make a hundred decisions, but it cannot alter reality,” he emphasized.
He highlighted that Pakistan has been the most affected country in the region by the scourge of terrorism, having suffered 90,000 lives and $152 million in damages.
He asserted that India’s belief that its aggression would divert Pakistan’s attention from combating terrorism was futile, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating it.
To protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and solidarity, the prime minister affirmed that the armed forces and the people stood united.
He concluded by stating that the nation fully supported its valiant armed forces and would collectively confront and defeat the enemy.
