Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised overseas Pakistanis as the “true ambassadors” of the country during an event in London, acknowledging their hard work and immense contribution to Pakistan’s economy.
He emphasized that their $38 billion remittances last year remain a lifeline for the nation.
Overseas Pakistanis: Backbone of economy
Addressing the gathering, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan cannot move forward without the sacrifices and contributions of overseas Pakistanis. He saluted them for defending Pakistan’s image abroad, calling them “heroes of the nation” who earn a halal livelihood through their hard work.
Chaudhry Saalik Hussain, speaking at the event before the premier, called immigrants the “capital of Pakistan,” stressing that PM Shehbaz has always called overseas Pakistanis the pride of the nation. He further said the PM and his team were working hard to improve the economy, adding that the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia had elevated Pakistan's image abroad.
Response to Pahalgam incident
The PM recalled that he had announced the formation of an international committee on the Pahalgam incident, clarifying once again that Pakistan had no connection with it. He said Pakistan had repeatedly offered India a transparent investigation into the matter.
Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression
Recalling the events of May 6, Shehbaz Sharif said the enemy attacked Pakistan and martyred 54 innocent citizens, but Pakistan taught India a lesson “it will remember for the rest of its life". He said that when Pakistan decided to respond to India, the military leadership did not look back.
He claimed that in a decisive response, six Indian planes were destroyed, and within hours, India realized the consequences of its aggression. The PM credited army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for leading the war in the best possible way and praised the unity shown by the entire nation from Karachi to Peshawar.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also reiterated that India was given a befitting reply in Marka-e-Haq, adding that Pakistan’s integrity will always remain the top priority.
Kashmir and regional peace
Shehbaz Sharif once again stressed that peace with India cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir issue. “The blood of the Kashmiris will not go in vain. They will get their rights,” he vowed.
He said Pakistan seeks peace based on equality and once again offered India to sit for talks, adding that “the ceasefire has been established, now we want peace.” He also called for an end to the war in Gaza, condemning the killing of 64,000 Palestinians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Economic progress, Saudi agreement
On the economic front, Shehbaz Sharif promised to make Pakistan debt-free and great again. He highlighted the recent agreement with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a major step towards elevating Pakistan’s global image.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Khawaja Asif said Pakistan was on the brink of default when the current government took charge, but the leadership worked tirelessly to stabilize the economy.
“It was being said that the country would default, but we pulled it out of the whirlpool,” Dar said, adding that Pakistan has now emerged diplomatically with a stronger identity. Asif said the nation overcame the economic difficulties in a short time under the PM's leadership, calling remittances the lifeline of Pakistan.
National unity for stronger Pakistan
Concluding his speech, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the respect of the green passport has increased worldwide. He assured the overseas community that his government will continue working day and night to strengthen Pakistan, both economically and diplomatically.
