Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said India was increasingly resorting to “covert tactics and the use of proxies” in an attempt to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan.
Speaking on Saturday at the passing-out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy during a one-day visit to Karachi, the prime minister said Pakistan was facing a complex mix of internal and external security challenges.
“Pakistan is navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats. Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating defeat in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability in our country,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s armed forces were confronting “foreign-sponsored terrorism” emanating from the western border, while the nation stood firmly behind its military.
“The entire Pakistani nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces,” he said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to peace, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve outstanding disputes.
The prime minister also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris, Palestinians and people in Gaza.
Referring to global developments, Shehbaz said international events were “affecting our lives in ways unimaginable before” and described Pakistan as a “peacemaker in the comity of nations.”
He highlighted Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional diplomacy, including what he described as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which he said he had signed as a mediator.
He paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for his “untiring efforts” to promote peace and stability.
Shehbaz also pointed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Pakistan, calling it a reflection of strong bilateral ties and Pakistan’s role in regional peace efforts.
On maritime security, the prime minister said evolving global dynamics had made freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes “an absolute necessity” for the global economy.
He said the government was committed to strengthening the Pakistan Navy as a capable force for national defence and regional stability.
Addressing graduating cadets, he congratulated them on completing training and noted the participation of officers from Turkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Djibouti.
He urged them to uphold discipline, courage and integrity, saying they were joining the navy at a time of “profound transformation and unprecedented opportunities,” with growing use of artificial intelligence and unmanned systems.
“The rank you wear on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility,” he said, adding that leadership is tested in difficult conditions.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz arrived in Karachi on Saturday morning and was received by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar accompanied him during the visit.
Source: DAWN
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
