PM Shehbaz Recalls May Clash, Says Pakistan Responded with Strength and Resolve

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces had taught India an unforgettable lesson during the four-day military clashes in May 2025, underscoring the country’s defence capability and national resolve.

The prime minister made the remarks while addressing a ceremony to formally launch the distribution of laptops under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Programme in Azad Jammu and Kashmir at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK).

Pakistan and India were engaged in military hostilities in May after India launched what Pakistan described as an unprovoked attack, following an assault on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). New Delhi has alleged that the attackers who killed 26 tourists in IIOJK’s Pahalgam were Pakistani nationals — a claim Islamabad has strongly denied, calling instead for a neutral and transparent international investigation.

During the 87-hour conflict, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, along with dozens of drones. The confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours ended on May 10 after a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

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Addressing the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the country’s youth were Pakistan’s greatest strength and that investment in education, skills and technology was an investment in the nation’s future.

He said the laptops being distributed were not merely machines but tools to connect young people with global knowledge, innovation and opportunity.

“Our youth, especially Generation Z, are more aware, more capable and better equipped to use technology than earlier generations,” the prime minister said.

He urged students to play a constructive and responsible role in the digital and social media space, cautioning them against the spread of misinformation, propaganda and fake news.

“Truth and falsehood today are often shaped by narratives. Our educated youth must stand for facts, responsibility and integrity,” he added.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to merit, the prime minister said laptops under the programme were being distributed strictly on merit, rejecting criticism that such initiatives were politically motivated.

Touching on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, PM Shehbaz said the Kashmiri people had rendered immense sacrifices and their emotional bond with Pakistan was unbreakable.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued political, moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people and called for unity, hard work and faith to achieve national objectives.