Federal Minister Musaddik Malik said on Thursday that the nation does not take pride in victory, but in the honour of its forces.
He emphasised that the unity of all political groups, including the PTI, is crucial. Speaking on Samaa TV’s "Nadeem Malik Live", Malik said: "The Indian media's propaganda was responsibly countered by Pakistani media, with the world recognising that the true news was being reported by Pakistan." He added, "Indian Prime Minister Modi had said that if Rafale had been in place, we would have taken down the enemy. However, this time, the Rafales were falling like birds, and we targeted any Indian post or bunker we wished with our missiles."
– Support from Middle East, national resilience –
Malik highlighted the significant support Pakistan had received from Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Turkey. "We now have the confidence to pursue our path of development," he said. "Attacks on water are attacks on society itself." He also stressed the need for Pakistan to find its own way forward, acknowledging the collective strength of the nation.
– Musaddik Malik's praise for media’s counter-propaganda efforts –
Musaddik Malik had also praised the role of the media in combating Indian propaganda. "The media in Pakistan played a pivotal role in fighting back against Indian misinformation. The world saw that it was Pakistan, not India, that was reporting the truth," he concluded, reiterating the importance of national unity and the collective fight against external threats.
– Shehryar Afridi salutes nation’s spirit –
Separately, PTI senior leader Shehryar Afridi praised the nation's spirit and patience. "Whenever the nation faces a challenge, it unites. May Allah keep us united. The 10th of May inspired a new spirit in the nation, and now we must strengthen our own foundations so that no one can challenge us," Afridi said. He also noted that after the Pulwama incident, the true nature of the enemy had been exposed. "The world had fallen into the enemy's trap, but after 10th May, the world has realised how united the Pakistani nation is. Our air force made history that day."
Afridi urged national unity, stating that Pakistan's citizens must embrace one another across all divides. "We must join hands in the fight for faith and justice," he said. He praised the youth of Pakistan, noting that the country’s young people now stand tall, ready to face challenges with renewed courage.
– Unity, vision for future –
Reflecting on the changes within PTI, Afridi noted, "Although I have had my differences with Atif Tareen, I have seen him evolve. When he was a minister, he celebrated Eid with soldiers at the LoC. This is not just the army's fight; it is the whole nation’s battle." He also reiterated the importance of the All Parties Conference (APC), suggesting that both the founder of PTI and Akhtar Mengal should be invited to participate. "We are not seeking any favours. We must sit down together," he said, underlining that, despite differences with PTI's founder, he remains a leader in the hearts of many Pakistanis. "Personal likes or dislikes should never come before the nation’s needs."
