Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that India had realised Pakistan was not behind anyone in a conventional war.
Addressing a session of the National Assembly following what he described as India's cowardly attacks on Pakistan, PM Shehbaz said: “The enemy once again attempted to strike Pakistan under the cover of darkness, as it has done in the past, but failed. The Pakistan Armed Forces had given a befitting response to India, turning a night of darkness into one of lightning.”
He said that in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Indian media, politicians and anchors had levelled baseless allegations against Pakistan. "There have been deliberate efforts to mislead the international community and portray Pakistan as responsible for the incident in India," the premier added.
Referring to a recent incident, the prime minister said: “Terrorists hijacked a train in Balochistan. We have concrete evidence regarding this attack. The Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) successfully rescued the passengers and prevented a greater tragedy.”
A resolution to honour Pakistan’s military leadership was proposed by the prime minister as he recognised the valiant attitude demonstrated by the Pakistan Armed Forces, which has elevated the country’s stature.
“Last night, 80 Indian planes flew. Indian aircraft attacked Muridke, Sialkot and other areas. But Pakistan’s eagles were fully prepared. As soon as the Indian aircraft reached near the border of Pakistan, our [Pakistan] aircraft retaliated,” said PM Shehbaz.
PM Shehbaz added: “Our armed forces were ready 24 hours a day to shoot down enemy planes. India takes pride in its Rafale aircraft, but instead of feeling pride, it requires all-out hard work. A few days ago, the Rafale aircraft were deployed, but our [Pakistan] army was ready around the clock.”
He lavished praise on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar. “I pay my respects to the air chief on behalf of the Parliament and the nation. The air chief and his pilots have inflicted significant damage to the Indian aircraft system.”
PM Shehbaz continued: “The Indian aircraft were forced to retreat, and their planes landed in Srinagar. We [Pakistan] were receiving real-time information about India’s plans.”
He stated: “Until last night, the situation was a conventional war, and there was no immediate threat of nuclear war. India has realised that Pakistan is not behind anyone. At this moment, a funeral prayer for a martyr is taking place in Islamabad.”
“The President, the army chief,and I will attend that funeral prayer. Our martyrs are the heroes of Pakistan, and we pay tribute to all of them. The Higher Power has blessed Pakistan with a great victory. Our eagles have shot down five Indian aircraft, and that number may had reached ten.”
“It is a humble request to all political parties and forces to work together to strengthen the constitution and make Pakistan great. I am ready to meet with my brothers in the Speaker’s chamber. Let us show the world that we stand united,” said PM Shehbaz.
