'We seek peace after victory’: PM Shehbaz urges India to resolve disputes

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday shared a detailed account of Pakistan's response to recent hostilities with India, following a cross-border escalation on the night between May 9 and 10.

Addressing an audience, the premier revealed that a high-level meeting with the country’s services chiefs was held that night, during which it was unanimously decided to issue a "measured response" after what he described as the enemy having crossed “the last limit” and rejected Pakistan’s offer for an international investigation.

According to PM Shehbaz, at around 2:30am, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir informed him via a secure line that India had launched ballistic missiles toward Pakistan. He quoted the army chief as saying, “Mr Prime Minister, grant us permission to strike the enemy with such force that they never forget it.”

The prime minister said that following Pakistan’s retaliatory response later that night, the army chief updated him again, stating: “We have given a befitting response and now we are being requested for a ceasefire. So, what do you think?” PM Shehbaz said he replied, “What could be greater than landing a blow that leaves the enemy’s head spinning and desperate for a ceasefire? Go ahead and accept the offer.”

Describing the incident as a "historic development," PM Shehbaz credited the Pakistan Air Force's technology for delivering a decisive response that reportedly stunned the adversary and bolstered the confidence of Pakistan’s allies. He claimed the military’s capabilities were being discussed from the United States to Japan.

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The premier asserted that the entire nation, from Peshawar to Karachi, stood behind the armed forces, and expressed appreciation to allied countries for their diplomatic efforts leading to a ceasefire.

However, PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the broader implications of the conflict, stating that such hostilities result only in increased poverty, unemployment, and hardship on both sides. Emphasising the need for dialogue, he reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on resolving disputes through peaceful means, particularly the issues of Jammu and Kashmir and water distribution.

“If we want permanent peace then we need permanent solutions for Jammu and Kashmir and water sharing,” the prime minister said, adding that regional cooperation in trade and counter-terrorism would become possible once key disputes are resolved.