Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif calls ceasefire deal with India 'victory'
PTC News Desk: In a highly charged speech filled with hyperbole and nationalist rhetoric, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday hailed the ceasefire agreement with India as a "historic victory" for the country. He commended the military for its "professional and effective" response to what he characterized as Indian aggression, and accused India of using the April 22 Pahalgam attack as a pretext for striking Pakistan.
The address, rich in symbolism and patriotic sentiment, came just hours after both nations agreed to cease all military operations by land, air, and sea, following several days of heightened cross-border conflict.
"Our operation was against hatred, aggression and religious fanaticism. This is a victory of our principles and respect. We did that with an enemy that suits an honourable nation. This is a victory not just for the armed forces, but for the whole nation," he said.
Sharif's televised remarks portrayed the ceasefire not as a diplomatic understanding initiated by Islamabad, but as the result of Pakistan's supposed military prowess. "We decided to respond to the enemy in a language that it understands very well," he proclaimed, hailing the deal as proof that Pakistan is a "self-respecting and upright nation".
However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said it was Pakistan's own Director General of Military Operations who placed the call to New Delhi at 3.35 pm on Saturday, requesting a halt in hostilities. The ceasefire was mutually agreed upon and went into effect at 5 pm, with no concessions from India.
- PTC NEWS
