Quetta, May 31, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday firmly stated that Pakistan will not permit India to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that water must never be used as a weapon.
Addressing officers at the Command and Staff College in Quetta, the prime minister condemned India’s repeated provocations, including its attempt to exploit the recent Pahalgam incident as a pretext for hostility. He emphasized that Pakistan had responded decisively, both militarily and diplomatically.
“The Pakistan Air Force demonstrated exceptional skill by downing Indian jets and striking seven high-value targets,” he said. “Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar displayed outstanding leadership, while Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir achieved a historic military victory, further solidifying his reputation as a Field Marshal-in-the-making.”
The recent escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors was sparked by a deadly attack last month in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. India immediately blamed Pakistan, though no credible evidence was presented.
In response, Pakistan launched a large-scale military operation, codenamed Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, targeting multiple Indian military installations. The Pakistan Air Force reportedly shot down six Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and neutralized dozens of drones.
The intense conflict lasted for over 87 hours before a ceasefire was brokered by the United States on May 10. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Indian strikes during the confrontation claimed 53 Pakistani lives, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians.
During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the armed forces and the unity of the Pakistani people in defending national sovereignty.
Welcoming foreign dignitaries at the institution, he said their presence was a testament to Pakistan’s strong ties with friendly nations. He also commended the Command and Staff College for its vital role in shaping the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces.
On the economic front, the prime minister highlighted that a recently concluded agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had brought significant relief, with inflation declining from 38% to single digits. However, he stressed the need for comprehensive structural reforms to ensure long-term economic stability and equitable growth.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace but readiness for defense, PM Shehbaz warned that any future misadventure by India would be met with a firm and forceful response.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister arrived in Quetta for a one-day visit. He was received by Acting Governor and Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, along with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
