Prime minister says Pakistan wants peace but will defend its sovereignty with greater force if challenged

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan sincerely desires peace but will not allow its pursuit of peace to be interpreted as weakness, warning that any future threat to the country’s sovereignty and security would be met with an even stronger response.

Addressing a ceremony marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Anniversary and inaugurating the Yadgar-e-Fatah (Victory Monument), the prime minister said Pakistan stood for peace with honour and dignity while remaining prepared to defend its national interests.

“We do not want war; we want peace. But the desire for peace should not be taken as weakness,” the prime minister said.

He was addressing a gathering attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, federal ministers, provincial political leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats and senior military officers.

PM warns of stronger response

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the May 2025 Marka-e-Haq had enhanced Pakistan’s prestige and demonstrated the country’s ability to defend itself.

He warned that any future challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty and security would receive a response stronger than the one delivered during the May 2025 conflict.

“If in future anyone, even by mistake, challenges Pakistan’s sovereignty and security, they will be given a crushing response with even greater force than in May 2025,” he said.

The prime minister also criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as unilateral and illegal.

He declared Pakistan’s water security a red line, saying: “Every single drop of Pakistan’s water is our red line.”

Yadgar-e-Fatah inaugurated

Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari jointly inaugurated the Yadgar-e-Fatah, which was built to honour the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate what the government described as the country’s victory during Marka-e-Haq in 2025.

The prime minister described the monument as a symbol of national resolve, the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and their superiority over the adversary.

He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership and acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

He also appreciated the engineers, workers and other members of the project team for completing the monument within eight months.

“This is not merely a structure of bricks and mortar,” he said, describing it as a tribute to the martyrs, veterans and the nation that stood alongside the armed forces during difficult times.

Support for Kashmir and Palestine

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people and reaffirmed Islamabad’s position on the Palestine issue.

He said Pakistan would continue providing political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

On Palestine, he reiterated Pakistan’s support for a just resolution of the longstanding issue.

Call to Afghanistan to curb terrorism

Prime Minister Shehbaz also called on the Afghan leadership to ensure that Afghan territory was not used for terrorism against Pakistan.

He said Pakistan wanted peace and stability in Afghanistan but warned that the use of Afghan soil for attacks against Pakistan was unacceptable.

“We are each other’s neighbours,” he said, urging the Afghan leadership to prevent its territory from becoming a sanctuary for terrorists.

PM highlights diplomatic ties

The prime minister also highlighted what he described as Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements, including its mediation role between the United States and Iran and a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia that has also been joined by Türkiye.

Referring to the Makkah Agreement, he said it represented a promise of peace for the Middle East and hope for the Muslim world, as well as a wider message of peace.

He praised Pakistan-China relations and thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in helping secure a ceasefire between Pakistan and India last year.

The prime minister said Pakistan-US relations were moving in a positive direction.

Youth urged to embrace modern technology

Prime Minister Shehbaz urged Pakistan’s youth to focus on modern sciences, information technology and artificial intelligence.

He assured young people that the government would provide all possible resources to support their education, skills and development.

Calling for greater national unity, he urged citizens to replicate the spirit of solidarity displayed during Marka-e-Haq in pursuing economic progress and prosperity.

The prime minister called on the nation to set aside political and personal differences, saying that disagreement was a fundamental right but should not turn into hostility.

“Pakistan belongs to all; we are all its heirs and also responsible,” he said, stressing that national unity was essential for strengthening the country.