Says Pakistan is proud as peacemaker in partnership with nations, sincere mediation efforts led to historic Islamabad MoU
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was trying hard to avenge the humiliating setback of last year’s war through “covert tactics” and “proxies” aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
“Our eastern neighbour, after suffering a humiliating setback in the conflict last May, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability of our country,” the prime minister said, noting that Pakistan was navigating conflicts and multifaceted security challenges, characterized by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats.
The Prime Minister was addressing a passing out parade of the 125th Midshipmen Course and the 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course as the Chief Guest at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi.
Referring to the Afghan insurgency, the prime minister said, “Our valiant armed forces continue to confront the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders,” adding that the nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces.
He said the entire country remained steadfast in its “iron resolve” to defeat the nefarious designs of enemies while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all outstanding disputes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted that the speech took place against the backdrop of monumental global developments that affected lives in ways that were “unimaginable before”.
“Pakistan is proud as a peacemaker in the comity of nations. Pakistan’s sincere mediation efforts with the support of brotherly and friendly countries led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran,” the Prime Minister stressed.
He also paid tribute to the Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir for his relentless efforts for regional peace.
Commenting on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “It was not only a manifestation of the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran, but also a recognition of Pakistan’s important role in promoting peace in the region.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized the evolving regional situation and highlighted the importance of maritime security to the global economy and international supply chains.
“Today, the right to free passage and freedom of navigation is no longer a luxury, but has become an absolute necessity for the whole world.”
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the navy as a “potent and effective force” that is “capable not only of ensuring national defence, but also acts as a stabilizing force in the wider maritime region”.
He noted that the Strategic Naval Force produced “tangible operational results” during operations Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos against India.
While championing the Kashmir and Palestine issues, the Prime Minister reiterated the country’s resolute and unwavering commitment to the “just” causes.
Addressing the cadets, the Chief Minister further said that they are joining the maritime force at a time of profound transformation. He emphasized the importance of modernizing naval capabilities, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, to meet new challenges across the seas and beyond.
As he concluded his speech, he congratulated the cadets for completing the course.
“The rank you carry on your shoulders today carries enormous responsibility. As you enter this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor, nor fair winds define a captain. It is the rough sea and the strong wind that test one’s mettle.”
Cadets from Turkey, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iraq and Djibouti were also among the passed out officers.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Shehbaz had arrived in Karachi earlier in the morning where Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed him.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarrar also accompanied the premier on the visit.
