Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and progress in the region on Sunday. He said that Islamabad was ready to go beyond recent hostilities with India, but insisted that any dialogue should be based on equality and equity.
Speaking during a rally of Pakistani abroad in London, the Prime Minister announced that a cease-fire had entered into force after a four-day military conflict, declaring that Islamabad had retaliated with an adapted response to India for its unfair attack.
“We want peace, we want progress, we want prosperity and we want the eradication of unemployment in Pakistan,” he specifically mentioned.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan had asked for peace not only on the battlefield, but also by investment and economic partnerships. “We have transformed Pakistan into a formidable military force. It is now time to build an equally strong economy,” he added.
Despite the tensions, the Prime Minister reiterated that Islamabad had constantly continued his dialogue with New Delhi on long -standing disputes, including cashmere, water sharing, trade and the fight against terrorism.
“I have made this offer several times, and the world knows it,” he said. “We want to sit and talk to you, find a way to follow and take up the challenges that torment our relationship for decades.”
He warned that relations could not normalize without solving the cashmere dispute.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan and India are neighbors of the region and good relations between the two nations depend on sorting the problems amicably and peacefully by dialogue, not by force.
The Prime Minister praised Pakistan’s victory on May 10 as a historic stage which transmitted a “powerful message to the enemy”.
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“From Karachi to Peshawar, the whole nation bowed to gratitude before God,” he said, adding that victory had increased respect for the green passport of Pakistan in the world.
The Prime Minister also condemned the current violence in Gaza and reiterated the unwavering support of Pakistan to the Palestinian cause. He urged the international community to act to end the sufferings of the Palestinians, engaging in Pakistan would remain a voice for justice during the global forums.
He praised the Pakistanis abroad as “Pakistan ambassadors” who not only contribute to the economy but also defend the political account of the country abroad.
Stressing their contribution, he revealed that the Pakistani abroad had sent a record of $ 38.5 billion in funding last year, which he described as the backbone of the economy.
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Regarding the internal challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz has recognized the importance of foreign investment and financial aid to stabilize the economy but urged the nation to strive for self -sufficiency.
“We have to get rid of the debts and stand up,” he said. “When we make Pakistan a great economic power, the world will listen to us.”
With more than 60% of the population made up of young people, he called for skills development, artificial intelligence and vocational training.
By concluding his speech, the Prime Minister underlined: “The unity of political and military leaders looking for a common vision of a great Pakistan and of God, we will make a reality.”
