Pakistan Shattered India’s Arrogance, Rebalanced Region, Says PM

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal)-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stated that Pakistan has shattered the myth of India’s rise as a regional superpower—a perception fueled by New Delhi’s massive investment in military hardware. He made these remarks during a visit to the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) operational base in Kamra.

He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

Upon arrival, the premier was received by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

During the visit, the PM received a comprehensive briefing on the operational preparedness and combat capabilities of the air force, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

He engaged with frontline personnel — including pilots, engineers, and technical staff and conveyed profound appreciation for their professionalism, precision, and steadfast dedication to national defence.

Addressing the occasion, Premier Shehbaz stated: “In the wake of unprovoked aggression, Pakistan’s Armed Forces exhibited exemplary restraint, strategic foresight, and operational precision, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

“Their swift and calibrated response not only neutralised the threat but also delivered a decisive blow to hostile military infrastructure — unequivocally reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He further remarked: “The entire nation takes immense pride in the valour and vigilance of its Armed Forces. Under the capable stewardship of the Chief of Army Staff, our defenders have once again underscored that Pakistan’s security is inviolable, and any act of belligerence will be met with a forceful, resolute, and unforgiving response.”

India will never remain trapped in its arrogance and pride, he said, adding that Pakistan showed restraint and patience while responding to Indian aggression with great thought and deliberation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised the armed forces for precisely targeting enemy military installations, emphasizing the Pakistan Air Force’s operational success. “The confirmation of the downing of a sixth Indian aircraft—a Mirage-2000 near Pampore, east of Srinagar, on the night of May 6/7—is yet another testament to the PAF’s combat excellence and the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces to protect the motherland at all costs,” the ISPR quoted the Prime Minister as saying during his visit to the PAF operational base in Kamra.

He commended the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer, crediting him for modernizing the PAF and integrating advanced technologies that have significantly enhanced its operational capabilities. Paying tribute to the airmen, the premier said: “To our fearless pilots and dedicated air personnel—your courage and precision embody the indomitable spirit of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. You have upheld the sanctity of our skies and defended our sovereignty with unwavering resolve.”

Reaffirming the government’s stance, PM Shehbaz declared: “Pakistan’s Armed Forces remain fully prepared and committed to defending every inch of our territory. Any aggression will be met with a timely, proportionate, and decisive response. We stand united, vigilant, and unshakable in the defence of our homeland.”

The recent escalation in the long-standing India-Pakistan rivalry began on May 7, when at least 31 civilians were martyred in unprovoked Indian strikes across various areas of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly shot down six Indian fighter jets—including three Rafale aircraft—and dozens of drones. During the four-day standoff, at least 11 Pakistani troops and 40 civilians were martyred.

The ceasefire, announced on Saturday by U.S. President Donald Trump, followed Pakistan’s retaliatory campaign—code-named Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos—in response to India’s missile and drone attacks targeting civilians and military sites. According to the ISPR, the Pakistan Army’s Fatah-series long-range missiles and PAF’s precision-guided munitions struck 26 Indian military targets, including facilities linked to terrorist activity against Pakistan.

Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has been extended until May 18.