Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revealed that Pakistan successfully repelled recent Indian aggression in what he termed “the shortest war in history,” declaring it a victory for the nation’s unity, armed forces, and strategic leadership.
Addressing a solemn ceremony in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to distribute financial aid to the families of martyrs on Thursday, the premier detailed the events of the recent conflict with India and emphasized Pakistan’s strength, resilience, and preparedness.
“A few days ago, war erupted between Pakistan and India; it could have escalated dangerously and its consequences been much more terrible,” the PM said. “But thanks to the brave and timely response of our armed forces, Pakistan not only defended itself but also taught the enemy a lesson it will remember forever.”
He strongly condemned the Pahalgam incident and India’s accusations against Pakistan, calling it part of a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilising the region. He said Pakistan informed the world of how those allegations were false and baseless.
“We demanded an international investigation, but India couldn’t bear the truth and launched unprovoked attacks,” he said. “While Indian forces martyred and injured Pakistani civilians, our forces avoided targeting unarmed civilians and only responded with precision.”
According to the PM, Pakistan downed six Indian aircraft and used Fatah missiles to teach India a lesson, retaliated against airbase attacks, and proved its military superiority. “On the night of May 9, we decided on a limited but powerful response. After our retaliation, India began seeking a ceasefire. The world saw that Pakistan was in the right, while India’s arrogance was exposed.”
He further said that the same night, the army chief called and informed him that the enemy had launched BrahMos missile attacks on national airbases. "In response, the general told the prime minister that the enemy should be struck back with such force that it will remember for generations. After that, none of India’s airbases remained out of range of our missiles," Shehbaz recalled.
"The very next morning, a message was received that India was prepared for a ceasefire — in other words, preparing to surrender. The Modi government will now think a hundred times before attacking Pakistan again. We have avenged the loss of 1971 by teaching India a lesson," he went on to say.
He praised the armed forces for their exceptional courage, especially acknowledging army chief General Syed Asim Munir, who he said led with unmatched bravery and has now been honoured by the nation with the title of field marshal. "Our armed forces have made Pakistan proud in an unprecedented way."
Shehbaz Sharif also stressed that Pakistan’s success in this conflict came without resorting to nuclear deterrence. “We hope that such weapons will never be needed. Peace and economic progress should now be our focus,” he added.
Massive relief package for martyrs, injured
The PM announced a comprehensive relief package for the families of martyrs and injured civilians in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He also attended a ceremony to distribute cheques and aid to the heirs of martyrs:
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Rs10 million to Rs18 million for the families of Pakistan Army martyrs, based on rank
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Rs19 million to Rs42 million for housing support for martyrs' heirs
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Full salary to be continued until the martyr’s retirement date
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Free education for children of martyrs up to graduation
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Marriage grant of up to Rs2 million for daughters of martyrs
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Rs2 million to Rs5 million for each injured soldier
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Rs10 million for families of civilian martyrs in AJK; and Rs1 to Rs2 million cheques for injured
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Additional compensation for damaged homes
PM of Azad Kashmir
Addressing the gathering, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq said atrocities and acts of barbarism continued unabated in occupied Kashmir., adding that nearly 3,000 young men had gone missing on the pretext of the Pahalgam incident. "These are human rights violations of an unprecedented scale."
He thanked the Centre for the Rs10 million allocated for each martyr and Rs2 million for each injured individual. "India will not stop shedding blood in Pakistan and Kashmir through proxy elements. Just yesterday, children were martyred in Khuzdar — a cowardly act."
Haq advocated hunting down the terrorists in their own hideouts, and hinted that he did not see any improvement in the situation over the next six months. "We urgently need extensive resources to build community bunkers for the protection of civilians living along the Line of Control (LoC). The current budget of Rs28 billion should be increased to Rs38 billion to meet the security needs," he demanded.
The PM also remarked that the National Cadet Corps (NCC) training was crucial for Azad Kashmir. "Every part of Azad Kashmir is effectively a frontline region like the LoC. Even the major cities in Azad Kashmir need better protection."
Federal Minister Ameer Muqam
The minister said the families of martyrs would receive Rs10 million each, adding that those whose houses had been damaged in the conflict would also be compensated. "Moving from economic default to a state of stability seemed impossible — something beyond imagination. But economic stability is now within reach."
He said Pakistan not only had the will but also the capability to respond decisively to any aggression.
