Political leadership hails ceasefire, praises nation, forces

ISLAMABAD: Following India’s announcement of a ceasefire on Saturday, Pakistan’s political leadership has extended warm congratulations to the nation and the armed forces, hailing their role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.

Leaders from across the political spectrum praised the military’s professionalism and resolve, describing the ceasefire as a moment of pride for the country.

Meanwhile, rallies in support of the Pakistan Army were held in various cities and towns, with people taking to the streets in celebration.

بھارت سے جیت کا جشن
چین کے شہری بھی پاکستان کے جشن میں شامل
چین کو بھی اتنی ہی خوشی ہے جتنی پاکستان کو
چینی شہری pic.twitter.com/H1eCWRFONX

— جونئیر صحافی 🇵🇰 (@Jsahafi) May 10, 2025

Crowds are waving flags, chanting patriotic slogans, and expressing joy over the diplomatic and strategic victory of Pakistan.

Chinese national residing in Pakistan have also joined the crowds celebrating Pakistan’s victory.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while speaking to Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Aimal Wali Khan, congratulated him on the recent ceasefire agreement and praised his consistent call for peace during times of conflict.

The prime minister said that no one should be happier than the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the announcement of the ceasefire. “Through you, I extend my greetings to the entire Pashtun community,” said the prime minister.

In response, Senator Aimal Wali Khan paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and especially the Air Force for their role in defending the country. He reiterated his belief that “peace is the only solution to all problems.”

Meanwhile, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, while expressing gratitude to Allah for what he described as Pakistan’s dignity and success, congratulated the country’s civil and military leadership in the wake of a ceasefire with India.

اللّہ ربّ العزت کا شکر ہے کہ اس نے پاکستان کو سر بلند کیا۔ میں، وزیر اعظم پاکستان شہباز شریف، فوج کے سپہ سالار جنرل سید عاصم منیر، چیف آف ائیر سٹاف ائیر چیف مارشل ظہیر سندھو اور افواجِ پاکستان کو شاباش اور مبارکباد دیتا ہوں۔ پاکستان امن پسند ملک ہے اور امن کو ترجیح دیتا ہے مگر…

— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) May 10, 2025

In a statement, the former prime minister said, “All praise be to Allah Almighty for raising the honour of Pakistan.”

He extended congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, and the armed forces for their role in safeguarding the country.

“Pakistan is a peace-loving nation and prioritises peace,” Nawaz said, “but it also knows how to defend itself.”

Ceasefire nation’s victory: Maryam Nawaz

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also congratulated the nation on what she called a “great victory” for Pakistan, saying the country had proven its strength and unity in the face of recent tensions with India.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz declared, “Pakistan has won. Congratulations to the nation — Pakistan Zindabad!”

پاکستان جیت گیا! الحمدُ للّٰہ! وزیر اعظم پاکستان محمد شہباز شریف، سپہ سالار جنرل سید عاصم منیر، افواج پاکستان اور نواز شریف نے قوم کا سر فخر سے بلند کر دیا اور دنیا کو سمجھا دیا کہ پاکستان کا دفاع ناقابل تسخیر ہے اور پاکستان محفوظ اور محب وطن ہاتھوں میں ہے۔

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 10, 2025

She credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces, and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for leading the country with strength and dignity. “They have made the nation hold its head high with pride,” she said.

“The world has now understood that Pakistan’s defence is unbreakable,” she added, noting that the country remained in safe and patriotic hands.

Ceasefire historic moment: Bilawal

Similarly, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has congratulated the nation on the successful ceasefire agreement with India, calling it a historic moment achieved through unity, resolve, and a powerful defence.

He paid tribute to the civilians and soldiers martyred during the recent hostilities and lauded Pakistan’s “measured yet firm” response to Indian aggression.

“Pakistan gave a befitting reply to India’s terrorism. The entire nation stood together and responded with strength.”

Bilawal said India was forced to agree to dialogue barely 24 hours after Pakistan launched its defensive operations.

“When we said the world will hear our response, we meant it,” he remarked, adding that it was Pakistan’s determination that compelled New Delhi to reconsider its stance.

The PPP chairman termed the ceasefire a “great success” and praised the Pakistan Air Force for downing five Indian jets and nearly a hundred drones. “The Indian attacks on our airbases were answered with full force,” he added.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace, Bilawal said that solutions must come through talks, not war. “Pakistan acted with great restraint. We only responded in self-defence,” he noted, while warning that the country is fully capable of a strong response whenever necessary.

Governor KP hails ceasefire as victory

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also congratulated the nation on a “moment of victory” following the ceasefire, terming the development a vital step towards lasting regional peace.

He said that Pakistan had always advocated for peace in the region and played a constructive role in that direction. He added that while the country prefers peace, it is also fully capable of defending itself against any aggression.

He lauded the Pakistan Air Force and the armed forces for delivering a robust response to Indian hostilities, saying, “Our brave forces have once again made the entire nation proud by ensuring national security and creating history through their actions.”

Ceasefire positive step, war never answer: Gohar

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, calling it a “positive step” and urging both sides to pursue peace through dialogue.

Gohar said war is never a solution to any issue, and its only casualty is peace.

He criticised India for levelling unsubstantiated allegations against Pakistan and then launching unprovoked attacks.

“India had been carrying out constant provocations against Pakistan without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan responded with strength and clarity, and there should be no doubt about the firmness of that response.”

The PTI chairman said that Pakistan only downed the five Indian aircraft that were directly involved in the attack, adding, “Had Pakistan wanted, it could have destroyed many more.”

He expressed hope that India would refrain from similar actions in the future and reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to peace but is always ready to defend its sovereignty.

Pakistan stands victorious: Fazl

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the unwavering resolve of the Pakistani nation in the face of Indian aggression had brought honour and victory to the country.

He extended congratulations to the people of Pakistan, its political leadership and the armed forces for their united response. “The entire nation, political leaders and our valiant military deserve heartfelt congratulations.”

The JUI-F head said the recent escalation was part of a broader plot by India and Israel to destabilise the region. “Their plan to push the region into fire and blood has failed.”