By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire with India to “take a step toward regional peace” and praised the military for a “decisive response” to Indian aggression.
“As a responsible state, we have responded positively to the ceasefire proposal in the interest of global and regional peace, and for the millions of people living in the region,” Sharif said in a televised address to the nation. “We firmly believe that all outstanding issues… should be resolved through peaceful dialogue in accordance with the principles of justice.”
Sharif remarks came hours after the US helped broker a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed rivals following intense missile and drone attacks, which started after a gun attack in Pahalgam in occupied Kashmir, that killed 26 people.
He accused India of using the event as a pretext to “drag Pakistan into a war,” despite the country’s initial offer to cooperate in an “impartial and transparent global probe.”
“Instead, India launched botched attacks on military installations and water resources as well as drone and missile strikes targeting civilians and mosques.”
Sharif condemned India’s actions as a “cowardly and shameful act” and “naked aggression.”
In response, Pakistan decided to “pay in the same coin,” shifting negotiations from the diplomatic table to the battlefield. “In its arrogance, the enemy made a failed attempt to violate our borders,” he said. “We decided to respond to the enemy in the language it understands best.”
The Prime Minister praised the Pakistani armed forces for their swift and effective retaliation, dubbed “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos.” “Within a few hours, our forces silenced the enemy’s guns,” Sharif added, saying the troops had reduced Indian air bases, installations, and stockpiles to “ashes.”
He singled out the failure of India’s Rafale fighter jets, noting that “Rafale also failed in the encounter.” The armed forces, he said, were “alien to the word ‘defeat,’” and their professionalism would be remembered as a chapter in modern warfare.
Sharif congratulated the Pakistani people for standing firm in the face of adversity. “They proved to the world their self-esteem and respect, which were dearer to them than their lives,” he said. “If anyone challenges the sovereignty, they stand like an iron wall and overpower their enemies.”
The ceasefire, Sharif said, was facilitated by the efforts of several world leaders, to whom he extended heartfelt thanks. He acknowledged US President Donald Trump for his “sincere role,” alongside the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Kingdom, as well as the U.N. Secretary-General.
Sharif reserved special praise for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he described as standing with Pakistan “like brothers.” He also highlighted the “unprecedented and historic support” from Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people.
In a separate announcement, Sharif declared Sunday a “Day of Gratitude” — or “Youm-e-Tashakkur” — to honor the military’s response and the nation’s resilience.
“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced to observe ‘Youm-e-Tashakkur’ across the country today [Sunday] for giving a befitting response to Indian aggression and the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
The day, Sharif said, would be an opportunity to offer thanks to God, pay tribute to the armed forces for their “unmatched bravery,” and pray for those martyred in the conflict.
Sharif urged the nation, particularly religious scholars, to offer voluntary prayers for the fallen. “The sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces will never be forgotten, as the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them,” he said, according to Radio Pakistan.
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