Shehbaz hopes dialogue will settle Kashmir, water row with India

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed hope that all outstanding issues with India, including the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and water resources, would be resolved through peaceful dialogue based on principles of justice.

Addressing the nation following the ceasefire agreement with India, the prime minister offered special thanks to former US President Donald Trump for his “sincere role” in facilitating the truce.

“I believe that a path of peaceful negotiations will be adopted to resolve all issues in accordance with the demands of justice,” he said.

Announcing the ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said that governments of both the countries will start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs had also said that the top military officials of India and Pakistan would speak again on May 12.

Congratulating the nation over the ceasefire, PM Shehbaz said “I salute you all from the depth of my heart and offer heartfelt congratulations. You have shown the world that Pakistanis are a proud and dignified nation.”

He stressed that the nation values its honour, dignity, and sovereignty above life itself. “Whoever challenges our independence will find us united like a wall of steel.”

‘India got what he deserved’

Terming India’s recent actions as cowardly and shameful, the prime minister said Pakistan had exercised restraint, but New Delhi continued its provocations. “Our brave and professional armed forces gave a fitting and historic response to India’s naked aggression,” he added.

PM Shehbaz said the Indian government falsely blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident and tried to impose war. “We immediately offered to investigate India’s baseless accusations, showing utmost patience and restraint,” he noted.

He said India violated Pakistan’s borders, launched drone and missile strikes that targeted civilians, mosques, and residential areas. They even attempted to attack military sites and water reservoirs, but failed, he added.

“We decided to respond in a language the enemy understands,” said the prime minister. “We made it clear that what was to be discussed at the table would now be settled on the battlefield.”

“We responded in the only way a proud nation should,” he said, adding that the people stood firmly with the armed forces throughout the conflict.

“The nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces throughout the war,” said the prime minister. “We have proved that no one can match the courage and professionalism of our soldiers.”

Shehbaz thanked friendly countries

PM Shehbaz also thanked Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Türkiye, Qatar, the British leadership, the UN Secretary-General, China and other friendly nations for their efforts and support.

“These nations stood by us like true brothers,” he said, singling out the Chinese leadership and people for their steadfast support. “I am especially thankful to China, which has always stood by Pakistan in times of difficulty.”

‘Armed forces made nation proud’

He extended congratulations to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff, and Naval Chief. “I thank General Asim Munir on behalf of myself and the entire nation,” he said, praising his “wise and courageous leadership” in securing this hard-fought victory.

“I wholeheartedly commend the Chief of Air Staff and his Shaheens for making the nation proud,” said Mr Sharif. He paid tribute to the mothers of martyred soldiers, acknowledging their patience and sacrifice. “I salute each mother who stood firm in the face of unimaginable pain.”

He praised the Pakistan Air Force for silencing Indian guns within hours.

“Their military bases, weapons depots and airbases turned to rubble before their eyes. Their Rafale jets were no match for our Shaheens.”

He thanked political allies, the opposition, and the parliament for their support. “A historic display of unity and unparalleled solidarity was witnessed,” he said.

The prime minister also expressed appreciation for PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari for their counsel during the crisis.

He made special mention of Shaheed Irtaza Abbas, calling him “a flower that withered before it could bloom.”

He also praised the Pakistani media for countering Indian disinformation with responsible journalism. “I hope this will serve as a guiding light for us all,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan would not rest until it reclaimed its rightful place among the nations of the world. “Responding positively to the call for a ceasefire reflects Pakistan’s character as a responsible state committed to global and regional peace,” the premier concluded.