Pakistan emerged as responsible nation of global peace: PM Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is now recognised as a “responsible” nation that not only knows how to defend itself, but has also emerged as a “guarantor of global peace and stability”.

In a message issued by his office late Saturday night, marking the first anniversary of ‘Marka-e-Haq’, the name given by Islamabad to last year’s four-day conflict with India, Shehbaz also praised the role of the armed forces during the hostilities.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, carrying out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists.

The action triggered a rapid escalation in tensions, with Pakistan launching retaliatory strikes, though most of them were thwarted by the Indian military.

The hostilities ended with an understanding on halting the military actions on May 10 following talks over the hotline between army officials of the two sides.

Shehbaz said the coordinated response of Pakistan’s forces across land, sea, air and cyber domains reinforced the country’s defence capabilities and national resolve.

He also warned that any aggression against Pakistan would receive an “immediate, befitting and full-spectrum response”.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is now “recognised as a responsible nation” that not only knows how to defend itself, but has also “emerged as a guarantor of global peace and stability”.

He said Islamabad’s role as a key mediator during the ongoing US-Iran conflict and its efforts to seek an end to violence have earned worldwide acknowledgement.

Pakistan remains committed to its efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict, Shehbaz said.

Referring to the security situation, he said Pakistan would continue efforts against terrorism and maintain vigilance along its frontiers.

On Kashmir, Shehbaz said the issue remained linked to peace and stability in South Asia.

In a separate social media post, the Prime Minister said ‘Marka-e-Haq’ would remain a symbol of national unity, resilience and collective determination to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and national honour.