Pakistan takes pride in being a peacemaker in the comity of nations and sincere mediation efforts led to the historic Islamabad MoU.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was working to avenge last year’s humiliating setback in war by resorting to “covert tactics” and “proxies” aimed at creating instability in Pakistan.
“Our eastern neighbor, after suffering a humiliating setback in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-won peace and stability in our country,” the Prime Minister said, while emphasizing that Pakistan faces multi-faceted conflicts and security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats.
The Prime Minister was addressing a distribution parade of the 125th Midshipmen Course and 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 face the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders,” adding that the nation stood with its courageous armed forces.
He said the entire country remained steadfast in its “iron determination” to defeat the nefarious designs of its enemies, while continuing to seek 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 affecting lives in ways “unimaginable before”.
“Pakistan takes pride in being 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 United States and Iran,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
He also paid tribute to Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his tireless efforts towards regional peace.
Commenting on Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz said, “It was not only a manifestation of the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran, but also a recognition of Pakistan’s important role in promoting peace in the region. »
The Prime Minister also highlighted the evolving regional situation and highlighted the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains.
“Today, the right of free passage and freedom of navigation are no longer a luxury but have become an absolute necessity for the entire world. »
The Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Navy as a “powerful and effective force” that is “capable not only of ensuring national defense but also of acting as a stabilizing force in the wider maritime region”.
He noted that the strategic naval force had produced “tangible operational results” during operations Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos against India.
While championing the causes of Kashmir and Palestine, the Prime Minister reiterated the country’s resolute and unwavering commitment to ‘just’ causes.
Addressing the cadets, the Chief Minister further said that they are joining the maritime force at a time of profound transformation. He highlighted the importance of modernizing naval capabilities, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, to meet emerging challenges across the seas and beyond.
Concluding his speech, he congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the course.
“The rank you carry on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility. As you embark on this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor and neither do fair winds define a captain. It is rough seas and strong winds that test a person’s courage.”
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 Prime Minister during the visit.
