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HISTORY TO TESTIFY HOW PAKISTAN’S DEFENDERS DECIMATED INDIA’S DASTARDLY AGGRESSION: PM Thursday, 15 May, 2025 | 17 Ziquad, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ STATES PAKISTAN’S MILITARY AND SOLDIERS HAD DEALT A SEVERE PSYCHOLOGICAL BLOW TO INDIA
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 308 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PREMIER LAUDS ‘EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY, PROFESSIONALISM’ OF TROOPS DURING OPERATION BUNYANUM MARSOOS
READY FOR WAR AND PEACE, CHOICE IS YOURS, PRIME MINSTER TELLS NEW DELHI ISLAMABAD/PASRUR sAleem JAdoon
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised the “exceptional bravery and professionalism” during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, saying the valiant armed forces of Pakistan, fortified by the unwavering resolve of the nation, defended the motherland in a heroic manner and dealt a decisive blow to the adversary’s dastardly aggression, state media reported. “History will eternally record, how within few hours, Pakistan’s defenders extinguished India’s unprovoked aggression with unmatched precision and resolve,” the premier declared, state broadcaster PTV News reported.
PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday paid a visit to the frontline areas of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos during the ongoing Marka-e-Haq (Battle for Truth), reaffirming his support and solidarity with the armed forces of Pakistan. During his visit to the Pasrur Garrison near Sialkot, the prime minister met with officers and soldiers actively participating in the military operation, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. The PM praised their unwavering dedication and valor in defending the nation’s sovereignty. The prime minister was flanked by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, federal ministers – Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah
Tarar, Corps Commander Gujranwala, and other senior civil and military officials, state broadcaster PTV News reported. In a show of continued support for all branches of the military, the prime minister is scheduled to visit various air bases and naval bases in the coming days to meet with personnel from the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy. Addressing troops, PM Shehbaz stated that Pakistan’s military and soldiers had dealt a severe psychological blow to India, Radio Pakistan reported. “The enemy, which is bigger than us, took pride that it has billions worth of military equipment. You have turned their arrogance to dust and dealt a lethal blow,” he said while addressing soldiers at Pasrur Cantonment.
stAff report
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday appreciated Pakistan’s prudent policy that prioritized dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disputes. “We highly appreciate the prudent, patient policy of the Pakistani state that prioritizes dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disputes,” Erdogan wrote on X, responding to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s post, in which he praised Turkiye’s role in promoting peace in South Asia. He said that Ankara attached “great importance” to Pakistan’s peace, stability and prosperity. Erdogan said that the “brotherhood” between Ankara and Islamabad, “which is a rare blessing for only a few nations in the world,” was “one of the most beautiful examples of true friendship.” Extending “heartfelt greetings” to the Pakistanis, the Turkish leader expressed Turkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan “in both
Trump asks Rubio to help strengthen Pak-India diplomatic ties RIYADH
Agencies
US President Donald Trump has asked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help strengthen diplomatic ties between Pakistan and India, following what he described as a successful effort to negotiate a major ceasefire between the two nations. Speaking during a Middle East forum, Trump remarked, “I believe they’re actually getting along now. Marco, maybe we can bring them together a bit more.”He added, “Maybe they can even go out for a nice dinner together.” Trump noted that trade played a key role in securing the ceasefire. “I told them, guys, let’s strike a deal. Let’s trade goods, not nuclear missiles. Trade what you create with such excellence,” he said. Earlier, Trump secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to invest in the United States after the oil power rolled out the red carpet for him at the start of a tour of Gulf states. Saudi Arabia’s investment commitment includes what the US described as the largest defence sales agreement between the allies, worth nearly $142 billion.
SAYS INDIA ‘DELIBERATELY EVADED’ THE PATH OF TAKING UP PAKISTAN’S OFFER FOR NEUTRAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO PAHALGAM INCIDENT
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President Erdogan lauds Pakistan’s dialogue policy for resolving disputes ISLAMABAD
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good times and bad.” Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz had thanked President Erdogan for his strong support and unwavering solidarity with Pakistan. “Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested, and abiding fraternal ties with Turkiye that have grown stronger with each new challenge. I am particularly grateful for His Excellency’s constructive role and concerted efforts in promoting peace in South Asia,” the prime minister wrote on X, commenting on President Erdogan’s earlier comments before the cabinet meeting he chaired on Tuesday. At the cabinet meeting, he hailed the recently declared ceasefire between Pakistan and India, urging both sides to avoid further provocations moving forward. “We took a very clear stance both on the heinous terrorist attack in (Indian-administered) Jammu and Kashmir and on the missile strikes targeting Pakistan. While openly declaring our support for the brotherly people of Pakistan, we also made intense efforts to de-escalate the tension, which had risen to very dangerous levels,” he said.
Saudi crown prince welcomes Pak-India ceasefire, urges dialogue RIYADH
stAff report
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Pakistan and India, calling it a positive step towards lasting peace in South Asia. Addressing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh, the Crown Prince praised the diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “We welcome the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and we also support dialogue between the two countries to resolve their outstanding issues,” said the Saudi leader, expressing
No provision in IWT for suspension: WB president g
IWT IS A LEGALLY BINDING INT’L AGREEMENT, AND BOTH PARTIES OBLIGATED TO UPHOLD ITS PROVISIONS: FO ISLAMABAD Agencies
World Bank President Ajay Banga has said that there is no provision in the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) for suspension, in an interview with Indian broadcaster CNBC-TV18. Speaking in New Delhi, he said, “There is no provision in the treaty to allow to be suspended, the way it (IWT) was drawn up, it either needs to be gone or it needs to be replaced by another one. That requires the two countries to want to agree. “The treaty is not suspended, it’s technically called something in abeyance, is how the Indian government worded it.” Elaborating on the World Bank’s role, Banga explained, “The World Bank’s role is basically that of a facilitator if they disagree — not by us making a decision — but by us being the party that goes through a process to find a neutral expert or an arbitrator court to settle it.” He further elaborated that the World Bank also has to pay for the process from a trust fund established during the treaty’s inception to cover the fees of potential arbitrators. Meanwhile, Pakistan has formally responded to India’s recent communication regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, affirming that the agreement remains fully operational and binding on both parties, according to the Foreign Office.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan has made it clear that any violation of the treaty will be deemed unacceptable. “The Indus Waters Treaty is a legally binding international agreement, and both parties are obligated to uphold its provisions,” he said. FO spokesperson said Pakistan reiterated that it would continue to defend its rights under the agreement at all international forums. Following the attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and shut down the Attari-Wagah border crossing — a key point for trade and civilian movement between the two nations — with immediate effect. WHAT IS THE INDUS WATERS TREATY? The origins of the IWT can be traced back to the Partition of British India in August 1947, when India and Pakistan became two independent nations. Both countries, now home to over 1.6 billion people, have historically relied heavily on the rivers flowing from the Himalayas for irrigation and agriculture. The division of the Punjab province, which was extensively developed under British rule with an integrated irrigation system, created an immediate need for an agreement on the equitable sharing of the river waters between India and Pakistan.
hope that diplomacy will prevail over confrontation. He reiterated the GCC’s commitment to regional peace, noting that efforts must also be intensified to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. Crown Prince Mohammed also highlighted the growing strategic ties between GCC member states and the United States, describing the relationship as one that is “strengthening” and rooted in shared interests and security priorities. The comments come in the wake of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and New Delhi, following a surge in cross-border hostilities and rising tensions after a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Imran warns against complacency after India ceasefire RAWALPINDI
stAff report
Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, has urged Pakistan’s armed forces to remain vigilant despite the ceasefire with India, warning that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could act recklessly again. Speaking after a rare meeting with his sisters, Aleema Khan shared that Imran expressed concerns over Modi’s potential for aggression, emphasizing the mental aspect of warfare. Imran also criticized the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a threat to judicial independence, and questioned the muted response to military court trials. He further questioned the absence of CCTV footage from the May 9 incidents, highlighting the importance of public support during wartime.
Unresolved Kashmir dispute hurdle to sustainable peace in South Asia: Ambassador Sheikh NEW YORK
stAff report
Pakistan’s Ambassador to United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has stated that the core issue between Pakistan and India is Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and a peaceful resolution of this dispute is essential for lasting peace in South Asia. In an interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT, the Ambassador said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and prioritizes the interests of the region’s 1.6 billion people. Ambassador Sheikh stressed that along with adhering to the ceasefire, it is crucial to resolve the core issue. The unresolved Kashmir dispute is hur-
dle to every effort towards sustainable peace. He said that Pakistan believes that peace is in everyone’s interest. The Ambassador affirmed that Pakistan is fully committed to responding firmly to any provocation or aggression. He appreciated the continued efforts of the US leadership in helping to de-escalate recent tensions and noted that the United States has always played an active role in reducing conflict in the region. He also expressed gratitude for the efforts of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and other friendly nations. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said that the international community’s focus on the Kashmir issue, including the United States, presents
a rare opportunity for a lasting solution. He said the growing global attention towards the Kashmir dispute is encouraging; however, sustained engagement and continuity are absolutely essential. US TIMELY INTERVENTION IN FACILITATING CEASEFIRE LAUDABLE Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh appreciated the United States for timely intervention that facilitated a ceasefire and de-escalation between India and Pakistan. He was talking to a delegation from the National Defence University comprising senior civilian and military officers, which called on him at the Embassy of
Pakistan in Washington, D.C. Interacting with the delegation, the Ambassador emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, which began with a letter from President Truman to Pakistan’s founder on August 15, 1947, expressing a desire for cordial ties. Reflecting on the US-Pakistan partnership, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted its resilience over the past seven decades. He said Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in combating terrorism and addressing climate change, referencing the devastating 2022 floods that submerged onethird of the country. The Ambassador stressed that the United
States remained Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with significant potential for collaboration in critical minerals and agriculture. Addressing recent tensions between Pakistan and India, he cautioned that the current ceasefire was fragile and urged continued international engagement, including from the United States, to address the underlying issues in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ambassador advocated for a standalone strategic partnership with the United States, rooted in mutual interests and Pakistan’s contributions to regional stability. He highlighted Pakistan’s youthful population and technological potential as key assets for future cooperation.