ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised the “unwavering courage of Pakistan’s armed forces” in repelling India’s “cowardly midnight attack”, declaring it a moment of national pride and a reminder of Pakistan’s resolute strength.
Addressing the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan’s parliament, PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for unity in the face of Indian aggression.
He said that India’s brazen attempt to infiltrate Pakistani airspace under the cover of darkness had been met with a thunderous response.
“With the grace of Allah and the prayers of our nation, our brave forces gave a befitting reply,” PM Shehbaz said.
“India has now realised the sharpness of Pakistan’s preparedness, and the strength that lives within our borders.”
Detailing the events of the night, the Prime Minister revealed that India had mobilised 80 warplanes to strike six key locations, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot.
But Pakistan’s “eagles” were ready, intercepting and shooting down three Rafale jets, one of which crashed in Bhatinda. Combat drones were also neutralised.
“Their communication systems were jammed, their attack plans foiled, and their arrogance shattered,” PM Shehbaz said. “They returned to Srinagar in disarray, and the echo of our response still haunts them.”
Paying tribute to Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, the Prime Minister lauded his vigilance and leadership, dedicating the gratitude of the entire nation and parliament to him and the armed forces.
“They fought not just with skill, but with heart, patriotism, and iron resolve,” he said.
PM Shehbaz urged the opposition, including PTI, to set aside political divisions and unite for the nation.
“Let us sit together, not as rivals, but as guardians of our homeland. The world must see us as one, if we are to rise as one,” he said, extending an open invitation to opposition leaders for dialogue.
He also addressed the recent Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, criticising India for falsely implicating Pakistan within minutes, without presenting any evidence.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s transparency regarding India’s involvement in the tragic Balochistan train hijacking, where lives were lost, and only the SSG’s swift response prevented further bloodshed.
The Prime Minister condemned India’s silence on the Balochistan tragedy and their mocking response, calling it “a dark stain that history will never forget.”
PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s offer for an impartial international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, noting that India rejected the proposal, further exposing its refusal to pursue truth and accountability.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister called for a National Assembly resolution to honour the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s military leadership.
The house stood in solemn prayer for the souls of the martyrs, whose sacrifice, he said, would forever be etched in the nation’s heart.
“This is more than a military triumph,” he said. “It is a testament to who we are: a nation unbroken, unbowed, and unshaken. Long live Pakistan.”
