Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized that Pakistan and India have gained nothing but misery from the three wars fought against each other, as he urged Delhi to resolve all pending issues through a comprehensive dialogue.
“After settling disputes like Kashmir and water distribution, we can talk on trade and counter-terrorism as Pakistan is the worst affected country by terrorism, having lost 90,000 lives and over $150 billion in economic losses,” he told a ceremony marking Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) in Islamabad. The event included the participation of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Mirza; Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asif Munir; Air Chief Marshal Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar; Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf; members of the federal cabinet, diplomats, and the families of martyrs.
“We have won the war but we want peace,” said Sharif, referring to last week’s clash between Pakistan and India. “We have taught our enemy a lesson but we condemn aggression. We want this part of the world to be as prosperous and progressive as others through hard work, undying efforts and living like peaceful neighbors,” he added.
Warning that a nuclear war between the neighbors could endanger the lives of over 1.6 billion people, he questioned who would live to tell the tale.
The premier also emphasized the role of Pakistan’s civil and armed forces in fighting terrorism, noting the terrorists would span the globe without Pakistan restraining them.
Sharif recalled that he had met the armed forces’ heads on May 9 after India attacked three of Pakistan’s airbases. “After Indian attacks, our Army Chief Gen. Syed Asim Munir sought permission to retaliate. His voice was full of commitment, courage and patriotism. Later, you saw that how Indian airbases in Pathankot, Udhampur and many other places were hit,” he said, adding Munir had later apprised him of Pakistan’s response and India’s desire for a ceasefire and asked him if the military should accept this request.
The prime minister maintained he was later shown evidence that Pakistan had downed six Indian aircraft. “Action of our Air Force with indigenous technology and Chinese planes and gadgets gave such a blow to India that the whole world was stunned how Pakistan achieved such technology silently,” he said. “Our action demoralized enemies and boosted the confidence of our friends,” he added.
He thanked the brotherly and friendly countries for supporting Pakistan. He also thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts in restoring peace in the region.