Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised the Pakistan Air Force for its decisive role in the recent conflict, stating that the way Pakistani pilots targeted India’s Rafale jets will be remembered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the world until the end of time. Addressing a gathering of PAF personnel at Kamra Air Base, he said the airmen shattered the myth of Indian air superiority and revived the glorious legacy of legendary heroes like M.M. Alam and Sarfaraz Chaudhry.
Full Press Release:
During his visit to Kamra Air Base, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the airmen who participated in what he termed a “battle for truth,” lauding their courage, skill, and historic achievements. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, and Ata Tarar. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and other senior civil and military officials were also present.
Paying rich tribute to the personnel involved, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “History will remember this confrontation. The Falcons of Pakistan have rekindled the spirit of M.M. Alam and Sarfaraz Chaudhry. The Air Chief demonstrated extraordinary command during the battle, and the nation will honour his leadership in golden words.” He added that General Asim Munir led the operation from the front, playing a critical role in ensuring success.
Criticizing India’s massive military spending in recent years, the Prime Minister said, “Despite billions of dollars spent by the enemy, our airmen dismantled the myth of India’s regional dominance. The so-called regional ‘policeman’ has been humbled. Within less than ten hours, Pakistan’s flag soared high, and three Rafale jets were downed by our Falcons in a manner that Modi and the world will never forget.”
He saluted the bravery of the PAF and declared, “I am here to convey my congratulations on behalf of myself and 240 million Pakistanis. Our sons shattered the enemy’s pride in a brief yet powerful encounter, leaving the world stunned by their skill.”
“Not five, but six enemy aircraft were taken down,” he emphasized, crediting the operational success to real-time updates and strategic planning by the Air Chief. “These achievements have elevated the confidence of our allies to new heights, and never before in history has such a resounding victory been achieved.”
The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to General Asim Munir for leading from the front, and to the Air and Naval Chiefs for their exemplary coordination. “Our armed forces fought with their lives on the line, and with the blessings of Almighty Allah, we emerged victorious,” he stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s restraint, PM Shehbaz said, “We did not let go of patience and dignity during the war. Our enemy rejected our peace offers in arrogance, and targeted our children, mothers, and youth. In response, our forces struck the enemy’s military infrastructure with pinpoint accuracy. The sacrifices of our martyrs will be remembered forever, and it is our collective duty to honour their legacy and realize the vision of Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace, warning the adversary not to mistake this for weakness. “The fever of war-mongering has subsided; now, if you wish to talk peace, we are ready.”
Touching upon the longstanding Kashmir dispute, PM Shehbaz asserted, “The people of Indian-Occupied Kashmir must be granted their right to self-determination. Their movement remains alive and will continue until their aspirations are fulfilled. Let us sit and resolve this issue, as Kashmir has the potential to ignite another conflict.”
Referring to the recent Jaffer Express incident, the Prime Minister alleged substantial Indian involvement. “Let us sit together to eliminate terrorism from the region. Let us have an honest dialogue and determine who are the terrorists and who have suffered at the hands of terrorism,” he concluded.
