Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Pakistan remains the frontline state in the fight against terrorism and stands ready to facilitate an impartial international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, rejecting the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations levelled by India.
Addressing the passing-out parade of cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul as the chief guest, the prime minister warned that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water by violating the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with a forceful response. “No one should be under any illusions,” he asserted.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan has consistently rejected and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. “Pakistan has suffered the most from terrorism, with over 90,000 of our citizens losing their lives and the economy bearing billions of dollars in losses,” he noted.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and security as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and vowed to continue playing a constructive role on the international stage.
Speaking on regional security, the prime minister said that Afghanistan is Pakistan’s neighbour and a brotherly Islamic country, and Islamabad wishes to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations. However, he regretted that terror attacks were being launched against Pakistan from Afghan soil. Referring to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Kabul, he said Pakistan had clearly conveyed its desire for peaceful ties, but emphasized that cross-border attacks would not be tolerated.
On Kashmir, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, describing Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein.” He lamented that the longstanding dispute remains unresolved despite decades of sacrifices by the Kashmiri people, and criticised the international community’s failure to secure a just resolution.
The prime minister said Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities towards international peace and will continue to fulfill them in accordance with the UN Charter.
Condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan denounces the ongoing brutality and called on the global community to intervene and stop Israeli aggression.
Earlier, while addressing the passing-out cadets, the prime minister congratulated them on joining one of the world’s finest armed forces, known for its discipline and professionalism. He added that the armed forces of Pakistan operate according to the guiding principles laid down by the founder of the nation.
Concluding his address, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan, having achieved economic stability, is now firmly on the path to progress despite numerous challenges. He said the country is successfully attracting foreign investment in mining, minerals, defence production, and several other sectors.
