Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that 55 Pakistanis were martyred as a result of Indian aggression in May.
Addressing a delegation of students selected for the "Uraan Summer Scholars programme", the prime minister said: "Our nuclear programme is solely for self-defence, not for aggression." "There is no risk of nuclear war, and by the grace of Allah, there never will be," he added.
The prime minister said Pakistan had won a conventional war through modern techniques and advanced technology. “Our armed forces demonstrated professionalism and courage, which led to victory. The entire nation stood firmly with its military,” Shehbaz said.
He attributed the success to a unified national vision and collective action. The premier said: "On the night between May 9 and 10, India launched another attack on Pakistan. Pakistan taught the enemy a real lesson and successfully downed six Indian aircraft in self-defence.”
He said: “We defended our homeland successfully. Fifty-five innocent Pakistanis were martyred as a result of Indian aggression. Instead of accepting the offer of investigation, India chose to attack. The Pahalgam incident was unfortunate, and Pakistan had no involvement in it.”
Shehbaz said: “Pakistan was unjustifiably targeted in May by Indian aggression.”
Speaking about governance reforms, the prime minister said: “A consultancy firm was hired to carry out reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Due to my humble reputation in Punjab, very few recommendations were received for appointments.”
He added: “Without any delay, officers from grade 22 to grade 20 were removed from their posts. Based on actionable intelligence from agencies, we made unprecedented decisions.”
Shehbaz said: "All corrupt elements were removed from the FBR, and digitalisation of the department had become a reality."
“We have ended corruption and the culture of favouritism, and promoted merit and transparency,” he said.
“The reform process within the FBR is progressing steadily. It took several months, in consultation with experts, to finalise the programme.”
Talking about the initiative taken by the government, the premier said: “With the reduction in the policy rate to 11%, people will now withdraw money from banks and invest in the economy.”
He noted that effective measures had improved key economic indicators and that sincere, collective efforts had yielded positive results through teamwork.
“We took responsibility and resolved to move forward with unity. I was confident we would not default.”
He reflected on the crisis in 2023: “At that time, the majority believed the country would face bankruptcy. We took charge during very challenging circumstances,” he said.
“We will benefit from the youth’s genuine analysis and feedback. Participants will get opportunities to learn across various ministries, departments, and sectors,” PM Shehbaz added.
He said the scholars in the programme would gain hands-on experience in governance.
“This programme represents the youth from all corners of the country. I am deeply impressed by this galaxy of young superstars,” he added.
