Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said India’s defeat under the leadership of a Field Marshal Asim Munir would not be forgotten by generations, warning that peace in the region remains impossible unless New Delhi abandons what he termed aggressive and expansionist policies.
Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the prime minister said the language India understands would be met with a “memorable response.”
He alleged that following a humiliating defeat, India had intensified terrorism through proxies, adding that lasting peace cannot be achieved without a change in India’s approach.
Solidarity with Kashmiris
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the people of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with Kashmiris in their struggle.
He paid tribute to Kashmiri leaders and martyrs, from Burhan Wani to Syed Ali Gilani, Yasin Malik, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, saying their sacrifices would not go in vain.
Kashmir dispute and Pakistan’s stance
Recalling Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s words, the prime minister said Kashmir was Pakistan’s “jugular vein.”
He stressed that a lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people, reaffirming Pakistan’s continued political, moral, and diplomatic support until they achieve their rights.
The prime minister said Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir aligns with its position on Palestine, emphasizing that both peoples deserve the right to live according to their own wishes.
He added that Pakistan had taken practical steps with key Islamic countries to promote peace, including efforts related to Gaza.
During the address, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced an increase in monthly stipends for refugees from Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,000.
He also revealed plans to establish a sub-campus of Danish University in Muzaffarabad to promote technical education, along with an Islamabad-style service center to improve public services.
