ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan was committed to ensuring peace with all countries, however, was mindful of securing its frontiers.
“While we aim for peace with all, we are mindful of our duty to defend the country,” he said as the nation celebrated the ‘Surprise Day’.
The day marked the fourth anniversary to pay tribute to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for downing two Indian fighter jets for violating the country’s airspace. One of the Indian pilots was captured but was later handed over to New Delhi as a gesture of peace.
The prime minister said, “Today the nation pays rich tribute to PAF for a befitting response to the Indian violation of Pakistan’s air space on the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack.”
He stressed that Pakistan was ‘mindful’ of its defence and said, “Let no one make any mistake about it.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan acted as a bulwark against the nefarious designs of terrorists.
The prime minister, in a statement, paid tribute to sepoys Imranullah and Afzal Khan who were martyred in firing by terrorists in Spinwam area of North Wasiristan.
He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant high ranks to the martyred in paradise and sympathised with the bereaved family.
The prime minister also appreciated the security forces for a successful operation against terrorists.
He said the whole nation saluted the martyrs and stood side by side with their security forces.
Moreover, the incidents of 26-27 February 2019 bore witness to India’s belligerence and jingoism and the tremendous restraint and responsibility demonstrated by Pakistan.
The captured Indian pilot was returned as a gesture of peace, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release on Monday in connection with fourth anniversary of Pakistan’s befitting response to the airstrikes, conducted by India on that day in violation of the international law and the UN Charter.
“India must remain mindful of the consequences of its reckless conduct and realize that the Pakistani nation remains ready to fully safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it was added.
At the same time, the spokesperson said Pakistan was committed to peaceful co-existence and resolution of long-standing disputes.
“We also underscore that durable peace in South Asia remains contingent upon peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” it was further added.
