RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan has taken revenge from India for the 1971 war and told the whole world that Pakistan Armed Forces are a brave military, and no power in the world can even harm it slightly, let alone defeat it.
He also told Indian Prime Minister Modi not to lecture Pakistan, adding Pakistan has settled score with India, and is prepared for peace as well as war.
The prime minister, who visited Pasrur Cantonment, Sialkot, at the frontline, while addressing officers and jawans, said: “It can be called an unthinkable victory. You can take it in different context but we have avenged the 1971 war,” he said, adding that the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan, fortified by the unwavering resolve of the nation, defended the motherland in a heroic manner and dealt a decisive blow to the adversary’s dastardly aggression.
The prime minister visited the Pasrur Cantonment to commend the exceptional bravery and professionalism of the troops during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, part of the Ma’arqa-i-Haq, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu were also present on the occasion.
“History will eternally record, how within few hours, Pakistan’s defenders extinguished India’s unprovoked aggression with unmatched precision and resolve,” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz made it clear to the Indian leadership to stop thinking about stopping Pakistan’s share of water. “If you try to think about stopping Pakistan’s water then it is our red line, and blood and water will not flow along,” he said.
He also maintained that brave soldiers and officers with their blood would ensure Pakistan’s right on water. “Do not even think about violating the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said.
The prime minister also questioned Narendra Modi as to who trained Mukti Bahni in 1971 war, who attacked Samjhota Express train, who staged attack on Jaffar Express train, and who is Kulbhushan Jadhav. “Do not give us sermons as we are in war against terrorism for years and we will eliminate menace of terrorism. Keep this sermon with you,” he added.
At the same time, he said Pakistan desired peace but it should not be misconstrued as its weakness. “We have exposed your claims of being ‘Thanedar’ in the region,” he said.
He said Pakistan is not ‘Thanedar’ rather it wanted peace in the region. He said that there could be trade but it was not possible without a comprehensive dialogue. “Let us resolve Kashmir issue as per UN resolution and then there will also be doing trade,” he said.
“Mr Modi You will find us ready and get befitting response, and if you repeat the mistake, we’ll finish your remaining assets,” he said.
“Let us not play with fire, and make this region as home of peace,” he said, telling adversary’s leadership that Pakistan was bound to exist till the dooms day.
Shehbaz said: “India has been deceiving its own people on the issues of Kashmir and water. They attempted to sabotage Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project, but thankfully the damage was limited. Had they succeeded in causing major damage, we would have retaliated by destroying India’s Baglihar Dam and other water reservoirs. We have shown remarkable restraint – India should take advantage of this patience and stop misleading its nation. Let it be clear: we are fully prepared for both peace and war.”
The prime minister said that the way soldiers and officers of Pakistan Army defended their land, and PAF eagles tackled adversary’s aircraft was not an ordinary achievement.
“You have proven those wrong who were saying that Pakistan Armed Forces are far behind the enemy in the conventional warfare and technology,” he said, adding that the leading experts would be compelled to write books on these achievements.
He said that despite Pakistan’s offer of neutral investigations, India deliberately evaded such a path, as they had nothing to prove, and on a false pretext and bloated arrogance and ego, launched an offensive, for which it has got a very befitting response.
The prime minister said that he has come to salute Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
“Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, demonstrated extraordinary courage and wisdom in planning the war effort. He has made me and the entire nation proud—these men are the nation’s finest sons. “Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, the Pakistan Air Force showcased cutting-edge weaponry and tactical brilliance in this conflict. Similarly, the Pakistan Navy, led by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, delivered an exceptional performance. They are the pride of the nation—the stars in our eyes.
“I never saw any hesitance in the planning and response which reflects their braveness,” he said, adding that such achievements could only be achieved in dreams and books.
During the visit, the prime minister received a comprehensive briefing on the conduct of the battle and current operational preparedness of the corps.
Interacting with officers and brave men at the frontline, he lauded their high morale, exceptional professionalism, and unflinching readiness.
He further affirmed that Pakistan takes immense pride in its brave sons, as they are the jewels of the nation’s crown.
He said that the blatant aggression against innocent civilians resulting into martyrdom of children, women and elderly, and calling them terrorists is utterly shameful and against all international laws, norms and morality.
“Our martyrs have always been our pride and the nation shall eternally remain indebted to them,” he maintained.
Upon arrival, the prime minister was warmly received by the COAS and Gujranwala Corps commander.
Meanwhile, the PM media wing in a statement said that in the coming days, the prime minister would also visit air bases and naval bases to meet PAF and Navy officers and personnel.
Meanwhile, during his telephonic interaction with the UN secretary general, the prime minister emphasised that the just resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, was imperative to ensuring durable peace in South Asia and urged Antonio Guterres to play his role.
It was the third phone call between the two leaders in the last two weeks, a PM Office news release said.
The prime minister expressed his deep appreciation for the UN secretary-general’s leadership and diplomatic efforts to defuse the tense situation in South Asia that had been gravely endangered by India’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Pakistan. He stated that the secretary-general’s continued engagement and preventive diplomacy demonstrated his enduring commitment to protection of the UN Charter’s principles and purposes, as well as to fostering peace in South Asia.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan had agreed to the ceasefire understanding it in the larger interest of peace in the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong resolve to promoting peace in South Asia, while defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
He denounced India’s aggression on the false pretext of terrorism, while characterising it as a dangerous precedent of which the international community should take due cognizance of. He also expressed concerns over the continued provocative and inflammatory remarks by Indian leadership, as a threat to the fragile regional peace. The UN secretary-general welcomed the ceasefire understanding, while expressing condolences over the loss of civilians’ lives. He expressed his commitment to continued engagement with both sides to advance regional peace and stability. He said it was his duty to work for promotion of international peace, which was needed by the world.
Separately, the prime minister held a telephone conversation with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
Shehbaz said that Pakistan desired peace in South Asia, and in this spirit, had agreed to the ceasefire understanding with India. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to uphold the understanding, as well as its iron resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
He also made it clear that Pakistan would never permit the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty to be challenged.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the prime minister conveyed profound gratitude for UAE’s diplomatic efforts and constructive role to defuse the recent crisis in South Asia. He said the UAE had always stood by Pakistan, through thick and thin.
The prime minister affirmed the warm, close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE. He recalled with great satisfaction that during the last one year, bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries was progressing well, especially in the areas of economy and investment.
He renewed his strong resolve to transform the existing Pakistan-UAE ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership. The UAE president welcomed the ceasefire understanding, while appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace and said the UAE supported maintenance of peace and stability in South Asia.
Meanwhile, the prime minister met Azerbaijan Ambassador Khazar Farhadov here at the PM House, a news release said.
During the meeting, Shehbaz expressed his profound gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan for their unwavering solidarity with and support to Pakistan during the recent tensions in South Asia, adding that it was reflective of the abiding friendship between the two nations.
While deeply appreciating the valiant Armed Forces of Pakistan for the successful conduct of “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”, the prime minister said Pakistani people were grateful to Allah Almighty for this historic victory. He stressed Pakistan was a peace-loving nation and in this spirit, had agreed to accept the ceasefire understanding with India.
However, Pakistan stood ready to resolutely defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in face of any future aggression, he added.
While highlighting the excellent nature of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations, he expressed his satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation. He stated President Aliyev’s historic visit to Pakistan last July, marked an important milestone by opening up new avenues of collaboration in the areas of economy, trade and investment. While recalling his visit to Baku in February, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong desire to elevate the fraternal ties to a mutually rewarding economic partnership.
Ambassador Faradov warmly felicitated the prime minister and the entire Pakistani nation upon the success. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace in South Asia. He noted President Aliyev attached great importance to the brotherly ties between the two countries.
While speaking about progress made in implementation of understandings signed at the leadership level, he assured the prime minister of his full commitment to enhance cooperation between the two friendly countries, across all spheres of shared interest.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasising bilateral brotherly ties, has appreciated Pakistan’s prudent policy that prioritised dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disputes.
“We highly appreciate the prudent, patient policy of the Pakistani state that prioritises dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disputes,” Erdogan wrote on X, responding to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s post, in which he praised Turkiye’s role in promoting peace in South Asia.
Erdogan said that Ankara placed “great importance” on Pakistan’s peace, stability, and prosperity.
He said that the “brotherhood” between Ankara and Islamabad, “which is a rare blessing for only a few nations in the world”, was “one of the most beautiful examples of true friendship.”
Extending “heartfelt greetings” to the Pakistanis, the Turkish leader expressed Turkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan “in both good times and bad.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz had thanked President Erdogan for his strong support and unwavering solidarity with Pakistan.
“Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested, and abiding fraternal ties with Turkiye that have grown stronger with each new challenge.
“I am particularly grateful for His Excellency’s constructive role and concerted efforts in promoting peace in South Asia,” the prime minister wrote on X, commenting on President Erdogan’s earlier comments before the cabinet meeting he chaired on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has hoped the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan would contain escalation and “restore calm” between the two neighbors, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, according to the Arab News.
The Saudi crown prince welcomed the ceasefire during his opening address at the GCC-USA summit in Riyadh on Wednesday, which was held in Trump’s presence.
“We welcome the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India and hope that it will contain escalation and restore calm between the two countries,” the crown prince said.
He said the kingdom aimed to work with Trump and GCC countries to de-escalate tensions in the region, end the war in Gaza and seek a “lasting and comprehensive solution” to the Palestinian cause.
“Our objective is to ensure security and peace for the peoples of the region,” he said. “We reiterate our support for all endeavours aimed at resolving crises and halting conflicts through peaceful means.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan and India exchange prisoners at Wagah border.
Security sources confirm that Pakistan and India conducted a one-for-one prisoner exchange at the Wagah-Atari border crossing on Wednesday.
Pakistan returned a captured border guard to India. The guard was captured a day after an April attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since April 23, 2025, was handed over to India,” India´s Border Security Force said in a statement.
The handover was “conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols,” it added.
In return, Muhammad Allah, a member of Pakistan’s Punjab Rangers, was released to Pakistani officials.
Both individuals were arrested earlier for alleged cross-border violations.
Meanwhile, demonstrating extraordinary valour in defence of Pakistan, two more courageous hospitalised soldiers have embraced martyrdom, bringing the total number of martyrs to 13 as 78 brave personnel have sustained injuries while serving the motherland with unwavering resolve. According to an ISPR press release, the martyred heroes are Havaldar Muhammad Naveed Shaheed of the Pakistan Army and Senior Technician Muhammad Ayaz Shaheed of the Pakistan Air Force.
Their noble sacrifice stands as a timeless testament to their courage, devotion to duty, and unshakeable patriotism.
The Pakistan Armed Forces, in unity with the people of Pakistan, pay the highest tribute to these brave martyrs and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Prayers are also offered for the swift and complete recovery of all those injured in the attack.
Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the nation’s collective memory, inspiring generations to come.
The Indian armed forces’ cowardly act of aggression during the night of 6-7 May resulted in the deliberate targeting of defenseless civilians, including women, children and the elderly.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) to inquire after jawans of Pakistan Army and civilians who were injured during the Indian aggression.
The president was accompanied by Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Commander 10 Corps.
According to announcement of President House on Wednesday, Zardari met every jawan and civilian individually and praised their valour, sacrifice and patriotism.
He said that they were proud of the sacrifices of their jawans and the entire nation saluted their brave sepoys and civilians.
The president said that Pakistani nation faced the enemy’s aggression with determination and termed Indian aggression a threat to the regional peace.
He further observed that entire regional security was at risk due to the Hindutva ideology, adding that Modi’s government wanted to use aggression against Pakistan for its political mileage.
He reiterated that they would not allow any harm to Pakistan’s sovereignty and national solidarity, and the entire nation was untied, spirited and vigilant to counter any aggression. He said that Pakistan was capable of fully responding to any aggression and giving a befitting reply.
The president also thanked the doctors, nursing staff and administration authorities for looking after the injured.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under growing internal pressure, may resort to another misadventure.
Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, he said that Modi has lost his political capital. “He is in a state of desperation and can do anything to salvage his position.” However, the minister said, Pakistan remains alert to any future Indian provocations. “Should India choose aggression again, we will respond — and the world will respond too,” he added.
