Muzaffarabad, February 5, 2026: In the wake of recent deadly attacks in Balochistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday alleged that India was sponsoring terrorism across Pakistan through proxy groups following what he described as a humiliating defeat during the “Marka-e-Haq,” a period of conflict between April 22 and May 10 last year.
“Durable peace in South Asia cannot be established until India abandons its aggressive, expansionist designs and nefarious conspiracies,” the premier said while addressing a special Kashmir Solidarity Day session at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad.
His remarks came after a series of attacks attributed by Pakistani authorities to India-backed Fitna al-Hindustan, identified as Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants, in multiple areas of Balochistan last weekend. According to reports, militants targeted civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni on January 31.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that security forces have concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1, killing at least 216 suspected militants during coordinated engagements and clearance operations. However, the operation resulted in the deaths of 36 civilians, including women and children, as well as 22 personnel from security forces and law enforcement agencies.
“Today, we have gathered to show solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan is present to express unwavering support for their cause,” the prime minister said, paying tribute to the martyrs of the Kashmiri freedom movement. “The sacrifices of Kashmiris will not go in vain,” he added.
Highlighting the resilience of the Kashmiri people, PM Shehbaz said history demonstrates their readiness to make immense sacrifices without surrendering their freedom. “Every day, Kashmiris hold up a mirror of truth to the world,” he remarked.
Recalling the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who described Kashmir as the “jugular vein of Pakistan,” the prime minister asserted that Kashmir has never been a part of India and never will be. He also praised what he termed a decisive victory in the Marka-e-Haq under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying it revived the Kashmir cause globally and countered India’s narrative diplomatically. He also acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for raising the issue worldwide.
“Pakistan’s victory was, in essence, also a victory for Kashmiris. India has no option but to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination,” he said.
While underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to peace, the prime minister stressed that it must be grounded in equality and justice. “India will face an unforgettable response on every front it opens,” he warned, adding that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in regional conflict resolution.
PM Shehbaz also announced the establishment of educational institutions, including Danish School campuses and a university in Muzaffarabad, aimed at promoting education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in AJK. “Irrespective of the government in Azad Kashmir, I will extend full cooperation, and our support will remain unwavering,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance on both Palestine and Kashmir, the premier noted that diplomatic efforts had countered what he described as India’s false narrative and emphasized the importance of national unity to thwart adversarial designs. He added that Pakistan has also taken principled steps to support peace in Gaza.
