Islamabad, May 8, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call on Thursday from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid rising tensions following Indian missile and drone strikes on Pakistani territory.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of India’s recent cross-border attacks, which killed 31 civilians, injured 57 others, and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. He underscored that the strikes constituted a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, posing a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s determination to defend its territorial integrity, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Pakistani people were deeply angered by what he described as India’s unprovoked acts of aggression. He emphasized that Pakistan reserved the right to respond in self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The prime minister also expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s concern regarding the escalating security situation in South Asia. Secretary Rubio reiterated the United States’ commitment to promoting peace in the region and emphasized the need for both India and Pakistan to pursue immediate de-escalation.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact as the situation develops.
