Islamabad:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the recent four -day armed conflict between Pakistan and India had proven that “Pahalgam incident was a false flag operation”.
“If it was otherwise,” he said, “India should have present solid evidence in the world to prove his case.”
Addressing a ceremony at the United States Embassy marking the 249th anniversary of American independence, the Prime Minister recalled that during the Kakul Academy event, he had offered an international, credible and transparent investigation into the Pahlagam incident, so that the world can browse facts and fiction.
“Our sincere offer has encountered an assault,” he said. “But Pakistan responded with patience and restrained.”
He said that on May 6 to 7, the martyred Indian assault 33 Pakistanis, including children and elders, and injured many others.
“In our right to self-defense, we have shot down six Indian planes,” he noted, adding that US officials in contact with Pakistan at the time recognized the answer and exhorted de-escalation.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, saying: “Despite our de -escalation offer, India has chosen the conflict.”
The event was followed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps.
Approaching the role of American President Trump in securing the ceasefire, the Prime Minister said Trump turned out to be a man of peace, determined to avoid cold and hot wars and the promotion of trade and prosperity on a global scale.
The American president had advised Pakistan and India to go for trade, invest and give up war and defuse, he added.
He also welcomed the role of friendly and fraternal countries in the Middle East which proactively coordinated and supported Trump’s real efforts. He expressed the hope that the truce would prove to be a long time.
The PM also prolonged the congratulations to the American president Trump and the residents of the United States on the day of their independence.
He expressed that the American-Pakistani ties were entering a renewed mode of friendship and that close contacts were being recovered.
Tonight, the Pakistani nation joined the American people to pay tribute to the American founding fathers, whose foresight and wisdom had changed the course of history, he said, adding that their democratic struggle, their rule of constitution and their equality also resonate with the ideals of the Quaid E Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the Pak-United States was appreciated by historical links, for a long time and broad over centuries. The United States had supported Pakistan with the construction of dams and other development projects.
After September 11, Pakistan faced a war against terrorism, its valiant forces and its people led their lives and in 2018, they had completely defeated terrorism.
About 90,000 precious lives were lost, in addition to the country, economic losses worth $ 150 billion, he said, adding that there could not be a greater manifestation of their commitment and resolved to fight terror in all its nuances and colors.
He expressed the hope that the Bilateral Pak-US trade would increase in volumes in the fields of computer science, agriculture, education, health, etc., because the two countries discussed the issue of prices.
He said he was really inspired by Trump’s vision for trade, investment and growth.
Previously, welcoming distinguished guests, the American affairs Natalie Baker reaffirmed the strength of Pakistani relations and expressed their optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation.
Marking the 249th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence here at the United States Embassy in Islamabad, it said: “Tonight is not only a celebration of our independence, but the reflection of shared values that bind our two nations-freedom, equality, self-government and pursuit of happiness.”
The event attended a large gathering of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, senior officials from the Pakistani government, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, representatives of civil society and cultural icons, Baker paid tribute to lasting friendship between the two countries.
Baker, highlighting the historical nature of the relationship, noted that the United States was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Pakistan in 1947. “During the last 78 years, our partnership has developed in depth and dimension, rooted with mutual respect and a common vision of opportunity and prosperity,” she added.
She recalled how cooperation in the development of the United States, through institutions such as USAID, had helped to strengthen the sectors of education, health, agriculture and infrastructure in Pakistan, and praised the long-standing ties of people to the population who have been at the heart of bilateral engagement.
Baker praised the contribution of American and Pakistani military officers who trained jointly and served, saying that their efforts have improved regional security and saved lives. “Our cooperation on defense and the fight against terrorism has brought tangible results,” she said, quoting the recent capture and extradition of Pakistan to Operation Isis-K responsible for the deadly attack on the 2021 abbey door in Afghanistan.
She appreciated the Pakistani government and the leaders of security for their role in the promotion of regional peace and stability, recognizing in particular the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief of Staff of the Field Marshal Munnir Army.
By approaching economic engagement, she underlined the recent investment forum for critical minerals in Pakistan and increasing collaboration in digital innovation and emerging technologies. It also referred to joint investments in cryptocurrency and other prospective initiatives that indicate a “shared vision for sustainable growth”.
In a diplomatic wink to recent regional developments, Baker has credited the joint efforts of Pakistan-Us to help make the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, describing it as a testimony to the power of constructive cooperation.
“Together, we will trace new borders-in trade, security, culture, technology, and yes, even cricket,” she said with a smile, referring to her commitment with the Pakistani company on and off the field.
The event, showcasing traditional American culinary culinary flavors and a musical performance of the United States Air Force Band, celebrated not only the American national identity but also the lasting links between the American and Pakistani peoples.
In conclusion, Baker thanked all the participants and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to a robust and mutually beneficial relationship. “Our relationship is strong-and the best is to come,” she said. “May the United States and Pakistan continue to thrive together.”
The reception reflects the dynamism of bilateral links and the evolutionary nature of a partnership aimed at promoting regional peace, economic growth and global cooperation.
