PM Shahbaz Sharif: Pakistan Responding Responsibly Despite Indian Provocations
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has emphasized that Pakistan has acted with restraint and responsibility in response to India’s provocative behavior following the Pahalgam incident in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He criticized India for attempting to falsely implicate Pakistan in the April 22 attack without offering any credible evidence. According to a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shahbaz made these remarks during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu at the PM House on Saturday.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister extended his warm regards to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and recalled his recent visit to Ankara, where both leaders explored ways to strengthen cooperation in multiple areas between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Prime Minister Shahbaz expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s support during the current regional crisis and for President Erdoğan’s call for peace. He noted that Ankara’s backing reflects the enduring, brotherly relationship between the two nations and their citizens.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s responsible approach, the Prime Minister stated that India’s baseless allegations are an attempt to overshadow Islamabad’s steadfast efforts in combating terrorism. He highlighted that Pakistan has made enormous sacrifices in this fight, including the loss of 90,000 lives and over $152 billion in economic damage.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and emphasized that the country remains committed to global peace and stability. He also pointed out that India has yet to respond to Pakistan’s proposal for a credible, transparent, and impartial international investigation into the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan is fully prepared to cooperate, and if Türkiye participates, its involvement would be welcomed.
PM Shahbaz further stated that Pakistan is currently focused on economic recovery and development, which requires a peaceful and stable regional environment.
Ambassador Neziroglu conveyed Türkiye’s support for Pakistan’s position and expressed solidarity during this period of heightened tensions. He also called for restraint from all sides to ease the crisis and maintain peace in South Asia.
Separately, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif thanked Chinese Premier Li Qiang for endorsing Pakistan’s call for a fair international probe into the April 22 attack in IIOJK. The acknowledgment came during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister also appreciated China’s consistent diplomatic support amid escalating regional challenges.
