- PM Shehbaz stresses there is no permanent peace without solution to Jammu and Kashmir and water distribution issues
- Says conflict solved nothing, only bringing more poverty, unemployment and other problems to both sides
- Lauds technology used by PAF had stunned the enemy and sent the trust and confidence of allies soaring
- Today military’s prowess of Pakistan being talked about from US to Japan: PM
- Premier thanks friendly countries, allies for supporting Pakistan’s firm, fair and just stand against baseless Indian propaganda
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for peace, saying “We won the war against ‘arch-rival’ but sought peace and invited India to live as a “peaceful neighbor,” amid country-wide celebrations to mark the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
“Pakistan has won the war but stills want peace. Our armed forces have taught our enemy a lesson but we condemn aggression. We want this part of the world to be as prosperous and progressive as others through hard work, undying efforts and living like peaceful neighbours,” Premier Shehbaz Sharif emphasized while addressing the main ceremony of Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day), celebrated nationwide to mark the success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and pay tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan.
The ceremony Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) was held at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad was attended by Cabinet members, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, services chiefs, foreign diplomats, media persons, artists and sports personalities as well as senior military and civil officials.
It began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, opening speeches and spectacular fly-past by the fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force.
Syeda Hadia Hashmi, Shabnam Majeed and Sahir Ali Bagga presented patriotic songs.
براہٍ راست: یومِ تشکر کے حوالے سے خصوصی پروگرام https://t.co/q0sOcA14gU
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 16, 2025
The India resorted to unprovoked military confrontation with after accusing the Islamabad of involvement in the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, a town in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. On the night of May 6-7, New Delhi launched a series of air strikes on Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties. Both sides then exchanged missiles, which stretched over the week. It drew intervention by the United States President Trump, finally leading to a ceasefire between the nuclear warring rivals.
On May 10, when tensions between the two countries peaked, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached between India and Pakistan. According to the government, 40 civilians — including seven women and 15 children and 13 armed forces personnel — lost their lives in the Indian aggression, and 121 others sustained injuries.
The Prime Minister praised the martyrs, their families, his cabinet members, service chiefs, and the nation for successful, timely and decisive response to the Indian aggression.
PM Shehbaz said he had had a meeting with the services chiefs on the night between May 9 and 10, in which it was decided that since the enemy had crossed “the last limit” and rejected Pakistan’s offer of an international investigation, a “measured response” must be given.
He detailed that around 2:30am that night, the army chief had told him on a secure telephone call that India had launched its ballistic missiles on Pakistan.
“He told me, ‘Mr prime minister, grant us permission to strike the enemy with such force that they never forget it’.”
The premier added that later that night after Pakistan retaliated, the army chief had told him: “We have given a befitting response and now we are being requested for a ceasefire. So, what do you think?”
PM Shehbaz said that he had responded: “What could be greater than landing a blow that leaves the enemy’s head spinning and desperate for a ceasefire? Go ahead and accept the offer.”
“This is a brief account of a long story from that day,” he said.
He informed the audience that the technology used by the Pakistan Air Force had stunned the enemy and sent the trust and confidence of allies soaring. “This is a historic development that God brought about within a matter of hours,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that the military’s prowess was being talked about from the United States to Japan.
The premier said no major power can now block Pakistan’s path, with the entire nation united from Peshawar to Karachi, standing behind and supporting the army. He also reiterated his gratitude to allied nations for their efforts in achieving the ceasefire.
He went on to say that the conflict solved nothing, only bringing more poverty, unemployment and other problems to both sides.
“The lesson is that we have to sit down at the table like peaceful neighbours and settle our outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Without resolving these issues, I don’t think we will have peace in this part of the world on a long-term basis.
“If we want permanent peace then we need permanent solutions of Jammu and Kashmir and water distribution. Then once we resolve these issues, the sky’s the limit. We can talk of trade, exchange of business communities and cooperate in the field of counter-terrorism,” the prime minister emphasized.
The Prime Minister said as the entire nation stands united and resolute alongside its armed forces, we must embark on a new journey toward the progress of our country.
He paid glowing tribute to the valiant armed forces of Pakistan for inflicting a crushing defeat on the enemy.
Recapping the main details of Indian aggression and Pakistan’s victorious response, the Prime Minister said India in its war-hysteria, had turned down Pakistan’s sincere offer of a transparent probe into the Pahalgam incident, and attacked our innocent civilians including children.
He said it was then that Pakistan decided on the night of May 9 to give a measured and befitting response to India.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that India’s self-conceived pride of being the regional policeman, was blown to bits by Pakistan’s valiant armed forces and PAF falcons turned India’s war fever into a nightmare from which it may never recover.
Directing his address to diplomats and friendly countries, the Prime Minister thanked them for supporting Pakistan’s firm, fair and just stand against baseless Indian propaganda.
He mentioned Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Iran. He especially appreciated US President Donald Trump for his vision to restore peace and his leadership in averting a very lethal looming war in south Asia.
Earlier in the day, Youm-i-Tashakur began with special prayers in mosques, followed by a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute at provincial capitals, according to Radio Pakistan.
The main ceremony of the day was also held at the Pakistan Monument. PM Shehbaz was the chief guest, while the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee and the army chief were also present there.
In a statement, PM Shehbaz said that the brave and professional armed forces have written a “golden chapter” in military history by giving an effective and forceful response to the enemy and foiling the enemy’s intentions, state media Pakistan Television reported. He added that innocent Pakistani citizens were martyred in this cowardly attack.
“In response to the enemy’s aggression, our falcons struck such effective blows that the enemy’s military bases, weapons depots and air bases were turned into ruins,” the premier continued.
He also praised the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Syed Asim Munir and paid tributes to Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and his falcons as well as the security of the maritime borders of the Pakistan Navy under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
A video posted by the government on X showed the premier hoisting the national flag at the PM’s House.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف یوم تشکر کے حوالے سے وزیراعظم ہاؤس میں پرچم کشائی کریں گے https://t.co/Rp36QKzViM
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 16, 2025
PM Shehbaz visits martyred PAF squadron leader’s home for condolences
PM Shehbaz also visited the residence of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, who was martyred in attacks by India, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, COAS Munir and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied the prime minister.
Prime Minister @CMShehbaz visited the residence of Shaheed Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf in #Rawalpindi today and offered condolences to the family of #Shaheed@PakPMO @OfficialDGISPR #Bunyanunmarsoos #MarkaeHaq #RadioPakistanhttps://t.co/WFKAEVM1FB pic.twitter.com/tE96Z1W2Us
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 16, 2025
The prime minister extended his condolences to the family members of the martyred squadron leader and also prayed for him.
PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the martyr’s services for the country and his sacrifice while defending the homeland.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif along with Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar visited Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi to meet the soldiers injured… pic.twitter.com/oQHRqMIuWE
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 16, 2025
He also visited Rawalpindi’s Combined Military Hospital to enquire about the health of Pakistan Army soldiers and civilians who were injured in the recent Indian attacks.
“The way the Pakistan armed forces and the entire nation fought this war is unparalleled,” he was quoted by APP as having said.
The prime minister praised the injured soldiers for their bravery, determination, and sense of duty during the conflict.
He said the steadfastness of the people had become a “decisive chapter” in the country’s military history.
