PM warns of twin security threats, vows stronger Navy amid evolving challenges

• Premier Shehbaz says eastern neighbour increasingly relying on proxy activities after last year's conflict

• Terrorism from western border remains a persistent challenge, premier says

• Reaffirms resolve to modernise Navy, secure maritime frontiers and regional stability

• Lauds Navy's role in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Operation Muhafizul Bahr

• Says armed forces proved professionalism, courage and operational superiority during Marka-e-Haq

• Greetings graduating cadets at passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC Course at Naval Academy

• Urges graduating cadets to uphold discipline, dedication and unwavering sense of duty

 KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan continued to face complex internal and external security challenges, alleging that its eastern neighbour had increasingly resorted to proxy activities following last year's conflict, while terrorism emanating from the western border remained a persistent threat.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to strengthening the Pakistan Navy, safeguarding the country's maritime frontiers and promoting regional peace and stability, the prime minister praised the naval force's professionalism and operational readiness in protecting Pakistan's maritime interests.

He expressed these views while addressing the passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen and 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar, according to separate statements issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Pakistan Navy.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شپباز شریف نے پاکستان نیول اکیڈمی، پی این ایس رہبر میں 125 مڈشپ مین اور 33ویں شارٹ سروس کمیشن کورس کی پاسنگ آؤٹ پریڈ کی تقریب میں بطور مہمان خصوصی شرکت کی۔تقریب میں آمد پر پاک بحریہ کےسربراہ ایڈمرل نوید اشرف نےوزیراعظم کا استقبال کیا،اس موقع پر وزیراعظم کوگارڈ آف… pic.twitter.com/3Q3Gm3SZeL

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

Addressing the graduating officers, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government's resolve to further strengthen the Pakistan Navy as a potent and effective force capable of safeguarding national defence and contributing to regional maritime stability.

He commended the Pakistan Navy's professionalism in protecting the country's maritime interests during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, saying it had successfully deterred a numerically superior adversary and kept it at bay. He also lauded Operation Muhafizul Bahr for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of critical energy supplies despite a challenging regional security environment.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the passing out ceremony of 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC courses at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar. Karachi, 27 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/hxSeJtNTZO

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

"The entire Pakistani nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces and remains fully determined to defeat every hostile design against the country," he said, adding that Pakistan would continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity while pursuing peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf in a group photo with the high achievers of the term at the passing out ceremony of 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC courses at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS… pic.twitter.com/pWjdL7bxdR

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

The prime minister said Pakistan's armed forces had once again demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage and operational readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. He noted that the Pakistan Navy had played a pivotal role in safeguarding national maritime interests, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of sea trade and maintaining credible deterrence during recent tensions.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf in a group photo with the cadets of 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC courses at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar. Karachi, 27 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/EJpZRDbdZB

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

Congratulating the graduating officers on successfully completing their rigorous training, PM Shehbaz said their commissioning marked not only a proud moment for their families but also a valuable addition to the country's defence capabilities.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacts with the passed out cadets of the 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC courses at Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar. Karachi, 27 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/5eunTsbfPV

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all graduating cadets on their successful completion of training and commissioning as officers of the Pakistan Navy," he said, expressing confidence that the young officers would serve the nation with discipline, dedication and an unwavering sense of duty.

The prime minister also welcomed cadets from friendly countries, including Türkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Djibouti, saying their presence reflected the Pakistan Naval Academy's growing reputation as a centre of excellence in professional military education. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and training they acquired in Karachi would enable them to make meaningful contributions to their respective navies.

"My government remains fully committed to strengthening the Pakistan Navy as a potent and effective force one that is not only capable of ensuring our national defence but also of acting as a stabilising force in the wider maritime region. This strategic force has produced… pic.twitter.com/gBXYfFI9Oh

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 27, 2026

Paying tribute to the parents of the graduating officers, PM Shehbaz acknowledged that their sacrifices, encouragement and prayers had played a defining role in the success of the young cadets. He also commended the academy's commandant, faculty and training staff for upholding the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and military excellence.

Highlighting Pakistan's broader diplomatic role, the prime minister said the country had emerged as a responsible and peace-promoting state on the global stage. Referring to Pakistan's efforts in facilitating dialogue among regional and international partners, he said Islamabad had consistently advocated the peaceful resolution of disputes through engagement and diplomacy.

"Today, with Allah's blessings, Pakistan stands proud as a peacemaker among the nations of the world. Pakistan's sincere mediation efforts, with the support of brotherly and friendly countries, led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the… pic.twitter.com/ZHnvqDUawx

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 27, 2026

He particularly appreciated the role of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in advancing peace and diplomacy. He said the recent visit of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan reflected the enduring brotherly ties between the two neighbouring countries as well as international recognition of Pakistan's constructive regional role.

The prime minister said the evolving regional security environment had made maritime security more important than ever, stressing that freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes remained vital for global trade, energy security and international supply chains. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to modernising and strengthening the Pakistan Navy to ensure it remained a capable and effective maritime force.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inspects the parade at the passing out ceremony of 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC courses at Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar. Karachi, 27 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/8X0K9t6CG5

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

Referring to recent military operations, PM Shehbaz said the armed forces had displayed remarkable professionalism during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. He said the Pakistan Navy had effectively deterred the adversary, safeguarded maritime interests and maintained operational superiority throughout the conflict.

He also praised the Navy's Operation Muhafizul Bahr, saying it had ensured the uninterrupted movement of essential maritime supplies despite a difficult regional security environment. Such operations, he said, reflected the Navy's preparedness, resilience and strategic significance to Pakistan's defence and economic security.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the people of Gaza and Palestine, affirming that Pakistan would continue to raise their just causes at every international forum.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attends the passing out ceremony of 125th Midshipmen and 33rd SSC courses at Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar. Karachi, 27 June 2026. pic.twitter.com/HQdZLA3G8t

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 27, 2026

Earlier, upon his arrival at Qasim Naval Base, the prime minister was received by Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. He was later warmly welcomed at the Pakistan Naval Academy by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar were also present on the occasion.

Accompanied by the naval chief, the prime minister reviewed the passing-out parade and inspected the smartly turned-out contingents of graduating cadets.

The ceremony featured an impressive march-past and other ceremonial proceedings attended by senior military officials, diplomats, foreign cadets and the families of the graduating officers.

During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz presented the Sword of Honour, Pakistan Naval Academy Dirk, medals and other awards to cadets who distinguished themselves during training. Midshipman Cadet Umer Mukhtar received the Sword of Honour, while Midshipman Hadi Abbas Khan was awarded the Pakistan Naval Academy Dirk.

Short Service Commission Officer Alvira Hamza received the Commandant's Gold Medal, while Cadet Officer Asif Muhammad Ahmed Munawer was presented with the Chief of the Defence Force Gold Medal for outstanding performance.

The ceremony also featured a fly-past by Pakistan Navy helicopters, accompanied by a demonstration involving the naval fleet.

The prime minister later recorded his impressions in the visitors' book and posed for a group photograph with the award-winning cadets alongside senior officials.