Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan’s victory in its recent conflict with India had elevated the country’s global stature, maintaining the armed forces had dispelled the misconception that Pakistan’s strength was solely reliant on its nuclear capability.
Addressing a ceremony to inaugurate the Pak-Business Express in Lahore, he praised the swift and effective response of the armed forces during the conflict, describing it as “short but highly dangerous.” He said the military had demonstrated extraordinary preparedness, courage, and skill.
“India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but our conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,” he said, crediting the victory to the Army’s use of Al Fatah missiles, the Air Force’s technological innovation, and the Navy’s vigilance. This, he said, was a product of teamwork and national unity.
Sharif noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had repeatedly acknowledged his role in achieving a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. “That, too, is a great diplomatic success for Pakistan,” he said.
On Pakistan’s ties with China, he said work was underway on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He also highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s economic performance, including a drop in inflation from 38% to 5% and a reduction in the policy rate to 11%.
Referring to the newly-launched Pak Business Express and upgrade of passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station, he vowed to make Pakistan Railways a modern, reliable, and affordable mode of transport for all citizens. He said the Pakistan Railways would soon see an overhaul through cooperation with China.
He maintained that modernizing the railway system was a top priority for his government and would play a vital role in economic development and regional connectivity. He appreciated the upgrade of passenger services, including the introduction of Wi-Fi, escalators, modern dining rooms and clean washrooms, as well as the ending of obsolete ticket checking and purchasing systems. He stressed the need for further digitization to meet future goals.
He urged Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to revive international freight services through goods train operations and commended the improvements in cleanliness and the provision of ATMs at railway stations.
Abbasi, meanwhile, discussed ongoing developments in the railway sector, including digitization, new coaches and the expansion of online ticketing services. He stressed that the railways had earned Rs. 93 billion in revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, with support from provincial governments for infrastructure improvements.