Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses ceremony in televised speech
QUETTA – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday highlighted Pakistan’s role as a “net regional stabiliser” contributing to peace and stability, during an address to faculty and student officers at the Command and Staff College in Quetta. The premier underscored the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation in achieving these goals.
Speaking on relations with India, the prime minister referenced the historic “Marka-i-Haq” victory, stating an adversary had rejected Pakistan’s sincere dialogue offers and instead chose provocation. He asserted that Pakistan’s mature and prudent response to “unprovoked hubristic aggression” was acknowledged internationally, vindicating its diplomatic narrative. He reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity “at all costs.”
Addressing counter-terrorism efforts, PM Shehbaz stated that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq was continuing with full resolve to protect citizens from Afghan-based terrorist proxies. He urged the Afghan government to take “meaningful and credible actions” against the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), who he said use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan.
The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestine. He said Islamabad has consistently advocated for the rights of Palestinians facing illegal Israeli occupation and oppression, maintaining that a just resolution requires an independent Palestinian state in line with the UN Charter.
PM Shehbaz concluded by lauding the professionalism, operational preparedness, and sacrifices of the armed forces. He paid rich tribute to the nation’s martyrs and also acknowledged the presence of student officers from friendly countries attending courses at the military institution.
