Our desire for peace should not be mistaken as weakness: PM Shehbaz

As Indian continues with its warmongering following the Pahalgam terror attack in held Kashmir, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.

“Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and peace is our preference and desire, but it should not be mistaken for our weakness,” he said while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul.

On New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), the PM said that any attempt to stop, reduce or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the agreement would be responded to with full force and might.

“Nobody should remain under any kind of impression and confusion,” he said.

The premier further said that without verifiable evidence, Pakistan was blamed by the neighbouring country. He said a transparent investigation into such tragedies should be conducted, reiterating Pakistan’s openness to international scrutiny.

PM Shehbaz, while recalling India’s 2019 airstrike and Pakistan’s retaliation, said the country had already proven its military capability through a “measured yet resolute” response.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, he said, “Founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, rightly said that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. Let there be no doubt… we shall continue to support the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.”

The premier also said that Pakistan had always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and underscored that as the world’s frontline state against terrorism, the country had rendered countless sacrifices.

“We do not and shall not tolerate any kind of terrorism… of any hue and colour… and that has been demonstrated beyond any ray of doubt,” he added.