UK says Pakistan-India ceasefire must hold: Pakistan, India got nothing in 3 wars: PM

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said that Pakistan wanted to live as a peaceful neighbour, adding it’s upto India and Pakistan to become peaceful neighbours or act otherwise. Pakistan and India fought three wars but achieved nothing.

“We should talk about Kashmir issue, trade and terrorism.”

He expressed these views while addressing a special ceremony at Pakistan Monument on Friday, as part of ‘Youm-e-Tashakur’ (Thanksgiving Day) celebrations. The prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs and their families.” “We have delivered such a slap to the enemy that they will never forget it. Despite our offer for a joint investigation, India attacked Pakistan and targeted innocent civilians. We must resolve disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue, through dialogue as peace-loving neighbours. Lasting peace in the region is impossible without resolving the Kashmir conflict,” he added.

“The enemy arrogantly rejected our sincere offer for an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Intoxicated with pride, they attacked Pakistan, martyring innocent children, women and youth, sending a message that they could strike inside Pakistan. But by the night of May 9, we had already shot down six of their aircraft—first five, now confirmed six. This enemy, which saw itself as the sheriff of South Asia, believed Pakistan was insignificant. But Allah granted courage to our falcons, who struck down their Rafales and other jets, leaving them in a nightmare they will never escape,” the prime minister said.

Even after this, the enemy kept threatening. On May 9, we decided to respond decisively. Between May 9 and 10, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir informed me that India had launched ballistic missile attacks on Nur Khan Airbase and other locations. General Asim Munir was confident, filled with self-respect and love for the homeland. He sought permission to deliver a slap the enemy would remember for life. Our falcons then struck Pathankot, Udhampur, and other Indian installations with the Al-Fatah missile, leaving the enemy with no place to hide, he said.

“I was in constant contact with military officials for real-time updates. Early in the morning, General Asim Munir informed me of India’s ceasefire request. What greater honour could there be? We have delivered a resounding slap to the enemy, and I instructed him to accept the ceasefire,” the premier said.

Shehbaz praised the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for utilising advanced technology and Chinese aircraft in a way that left the world stunned.

“Today, Allah has elevated Pakistan to such a position that no power can block our path. From Peshawar to Karachi, the entire nation stands united behind our armed forces, supporting them with full strength. Now is the time to begin the journey for which Pakistan was created. Millions of Muslims sacrificed their lives in Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s movement, crossing rivers of blood to establish Pakistan. Today, the souls of these martyrs call upon us to unite and build the Pakistan envisioned by Jinnah and Allama Iqbal—a Pakistan that raises the green crescent flag high among nations.

“We must move forward, leaving the past behind. Today’s national unity and brotherhood must become our guiding force. Not only will this compensate for past losses, but Pakistan will soon reclaim its rightful place among nations—just as it did on May 10,” he said.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, China, and other nations for their efforts in de-escalation after the Pahalgam incident. “I am also thankful to US President Donald Trump for his bold leadership in ensuring immediate peace in South Asia, preventing a catastrophic war in this region of 1.6 billion people. What would have happened if two nuclear powers had gone to war? We desire peace but condemn aggression. We want to live as peaceful neighbors, fostering regional prosperity. Pakistan has always worked for peace, yet three wars with India only increased poverty and unemployment. We must resolve disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue. Without a lasting solution to Kashmir, sustainable peace is impossible. We can enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, trade, and other fields. Pakistan has suffered the most from terrorism—had our brave armed forces not stopped these terrorists, the whole world would have faced the consequences.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Friday made it abundantly clear that it firmly believes in peaceful coexistence, while prioritising dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation and consistently advocated for meaningful engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.

“A just and peaceful settlement of these disputes remains indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia. Any future aggression will also be met with full resolve. We hope India will prioritise regional stability and the well-being of its citizens over narrow, politically motivated jingoism,” said the spokesperson at the Foreign Office during the weekly media briefing.

“In contrast, Pakistan, as a responsible state, remains committed to the ceasefire and to taking necessary steps toward de-escalation and regional stability,” he said.

Pakistan called upon its international partners to ensure that India honours its commitments and refrains from further aggression.

“Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond. In this era, peace is the true strength. The world is not served by theatrical militarism and grandstanding but by mature leadership, regional cooperation, and respect for international norms,” he pointed out.

The spokesperson underlined that any discussion about, the modality, the nature, the timing of dialogue with India is premature at this stage.

“Professional diplomats are optimists; we are optimistic people. The government remains optimistic. Any engagement we pursue is with good faith and optimism. So we hope that South Asia can rise to its potential and overcome the challenges which bedevil peace and security in the region and in good faith, we will pursue that,” he said.

To a query on the Indus Waters Treaty, the FO spokesperson reiterated that it had already stated that India is weaponising water, which it must not do. Holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is unilateral and illegal.

“The announcement (from New Delhi) shows India’s disregard for the sanctity of the international treaties and strikes at a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation. It is equivalent to an attack on the people of Pakistan and its economy. India must immediately restore the normal functioning of the treaty, as it contains no provision on holding it in abeyance. Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to safeguard its due share of water,” explained the spokesperson.

While commenting on China renaming some areas within Arunachal Pradesh Pakistan says it has noticed this and reiterates its consistent support for China on issues of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Pakistan said that it was a source of concern that reports point to the fact India was likely to boost its defence budget and 50,000 crores is to be allocated in defence.

He maintained that India doesn’t have good relations with any of its neigbours and it’s not just Pakistan as they have troublesome relations with the entire region.

The Foreign Office spokesperson welcomed the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire as a “positive development” and acknowledged the role of several friendly nations, including the United States, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and others in mediating the agreement.

He noted that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries have maintained “periodic and constructive contact” and agreed on stage-wise de-escalation.

He said that Pakistan returned a captured Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable, and India reciprocated by handing over a Pakistani Rangers sepoy.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz met with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy at the PM House.

The  UK foreign secretary said that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was hugely welcome but it remains fragile, and his government was working with international partners to sustain the ceasefire agreement.

Lammy is currently in Pakistan to meet the Pakistani leadership to hold talks on various issues, including the recent fight between India and Pakistan.

He spoke to Geo News during a phone call from Islamabad, where he has already met Pakistan government representatives.

When asked by Geo News about India’s arrogant attacks on Pakistan without producing any evidence of Islamabad's involvement in the Pahalgam attacks, the foreign secretary said: "We made it clear that terrorist attacks in Pahalgam were horrific. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who suffered in these attacks. The UK government has been condemning terrorism in all forms, in no uncertain terms. I offered my condolences.”

The UK foreign secretary said he had discussed the issue of terrorism in Pakistan. He said: “Here in Pakistan, we have discussed this. Pakistan too has been subject to terrorism in the recent past. The focus has been to de-escalate and build a horizon where there is confidence between the two countries. We have to bear down on terrorist threats and ensure that militancy doesn’t go on.”

Answering a question, he said the UK was friends with both countries. "We have deep relations with both sides. We are working with our other partners."

MP Lammy said: “I wouldn’t expect India to share its matters of national security with me. What we are here to do is to ensure support to friends to maintain an enduring ceasefire whilst recognising that terrorism has to be dealt with. There are concerns that there are groups here engaged in causing harm. This all began with the horrendous terrorism threat.”

He said the leadership of both countries was “impressive” and showed statesmanship in de-escalating tensions and agreeing to a ceasefire.

He said: "It’s important that this ceasefire holds. It's fragile. My visit is about this and other matters. I am the first foreign secretary to come here in four years. I will be speaking about important links and friendships between our two countries, trade and cultural exchange and the support we give to Pakistan on many issues."

Lammy recognised that the India-Pakistan tensions had a direct bearing on the Indian and Pakistani communities in the UK. However, he appreciated the role of these communities and the local governments in dealing with it.

He said: “There was anxiety and concerns but we have communities living side by side in the UK. We have seen troubling images coming to the UK from India and Pakistan but these communities acted responsibly.”

He revealed that the concerns were so serious with British-Pakistanis that the British High Commission staff received over 2,000 calls “from people who were worried about Pakistan-India tensions. Staff in India and Pakistan have been providing support to the Britons by arranging more flights.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari visited the residence of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf Shaheed in Rawalpind. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited the residence of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf Shaheed. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar accompanied the prime minister. The prime minister offered condolences to the father and other family members of Usman Yousaf Shaheed.

The prime minister also visited CMH to inquire after jawans of Pakistan Army and civilians who were injured during Marka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth) against India.

He was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, COAS General Syed Asim Munir and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.

Earlier, during the day, Pakistan observed ‘Yaum-e-Tasshakur’ across the country to commemorate the historic victory in ‘Operation Bunyanum Marsoos’ against Indian aggression.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoisted the national flag at the PM House to mark Youm-e-Tashakur.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif formally started the ‘Youm-e-Tashakur & Marka-e-Haq’ celebrations by hoisting the national flag. Provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants and senior provincial government officials attended the ceremony. The Youm-e-Tashakkur was observed across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, meanwhile, visited Abbaspur, Hajeera, Dwarandi and Battal sectors in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to express solidarity officers and jawans of armed forces following great success in operation ‘Bunyanum Marsoos’.