MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Thursday that Pakistan will respond to India with equal and decisive force, matching any provocation on the very front it is initiated.
Addressing a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly held on the Kashmir Solidarity Day, the prime minister stated that after its humiliating defeat, India has once again intensified terrorism in Pakistan through its proxies. Regional peace cannot be established until India abandons its aggressive, expansionist and hegemonic ambitions.
He asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces and security agencies would confront any proxies involved in terrorism sponsored by India with the same resolve and effectiveness demonstrated in the handling of hostile fighter jets. “We seek peace, but only on the grounds of equality and justice,” he emphasized. “Marka-e-Haq is not just a victory of our armed forces’ professional skill, but also a victory of the sacrifices of Kashmiri people.” He emphasized that in the wake of the Marka-e-Haq, the Kashmir cause has been powerfully revived at the global stage. This resurgence marks a significant diplomatic success, as it has effectively dismantled and buried India’s false narrative on the issue.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmir cause, stating that Kashmiri people’s struggle for the right to self-determination would continue until its logical conclusion in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiri people and underlined that history bears witness that Kashmiris can sacrifice their lives and children but will never compromise on their freedom. The prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir struggle, from Burhan Wani to veteran leader Syed Ali Geelani, and honoured the sacrifices of leaders, activists, journalists, women and children, including Asiya Andrabi, Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He emphasized that the suffering and sacrifices of innocent Kashmiris have unveiled India’s actions to the global community, challenging its official narrative.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical stance, the prime minister recalled Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had identified Kashmir as the nation’s jugular vein—a principle that remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy today. He asserted that lasting peace in South Asia is unattainable unless India sets aside its hegemonic ambitions and upholds the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people. Drawing parallels between Kashmir and Palestine, the prime minister stated that ensuring oppressed populations can live with dignity and self-determination is a critical measure of the international community’s dedication to democracy, justice and international law. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to actively support peaceful resolutions for both issues, in alignment with these principles.
Shehbaz announced a comprehensive package for AJK, increasing the refugee stipend from Rs3,500 to Rs6,000, allocating Rs1 billion for school roofs, and providing Rs10 billion for the construction of Hariyam Bridge. Other measures include construction of Daanish Schools, establishment of a world-class Daanish University in Muzaffarabad focused on modern technology, IT, artificial intelligence and scientific research, enhancement of stipends for Kashmiri migrants, merit-based laptop distribution, scholarships under the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, water supply schemes, hydropower projects, bridge construction and increased funding for universities, including women’s higher education institutions.
Concluding his address, the prime minister assured Pakistan’s continued support for AJK, urging unity and collective resolve to achieve national development goals and advance the Kashmir cause.
Earlier, while welcoming PM Shehbaz, AJK PM Rathore thanked him for visiting the AJK for the third time in a short span, calling it a clear manifestation of his deep affection and commitment to the Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan’s political leadership, irrespective of party lines, had always stood united on the Kashmir issue and never discriminated in its support for Kashmiris.
Rathore said Indian forces had failed to suppress the Kashmiris spirit despite decades of coercion and heavy militarisation. He lauded Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic efforts at international forums and said the AJK people considered Pakistan their homeland, adding that no global conspiracy could weaken this bond. He also paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and Pakistan’s armed forces, saying their sacrifices had strengthened the Kashmir cause. Expressing gratitude for development initiatives, he particularly acknowledged the gift of Daanish Schools and educational projects, saying these would secure the future of Kashmiri youth.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and AJK PM Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore laid a wreath at AJK Yadgar-e-Shuhada. Shehbaz also expressed profound grief over the demise of former AJK president Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry. The House also observed Fateha for the departed soul.
AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar also addressed the session, thanking Shehbaz for standing shoulder to shoulder with Kashmiris and for prioritising development alongside the freedom struggle. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, AJK Leader of the Opposition Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, PTI AJK President Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, Sardar Hassan Ibrahim Khan, cabinet members and legislators were also present.
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also visited Muzaffarabad to pay homage to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. The COAS & CDF laid a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs Monument and paid rich tributes to the Shuhada of Kashmir movement, acknowledging their enduring legacy of valour and selfless sacrifice, said a news release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). Interacting with the notables and veterans, the COAS & CDF reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
He noted that Indian atrocities, unabated violations of human rights, and Hindutva-driven excesses have failed to suppress the legitimate struggle and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Kashmiri cause, the COAS stated that Kashmir would soon witness the dawn of freedom, in accordance with the will and destiny of the people of Kashmir,” the news release said.
He further emphasized that Pakistan would continue to highlight the Kashmir issue at all relevant international forums, in complete solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, until a just resolution of the dispute is achieved according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The COAS commended the unwavering dedication, high morale, professional excellence and combat readiness of the officers and soldiers deployed in Kashmir despite challenging operational conditions. He emphasized the imperative of maintaining peak operational preparedness, vigilance and seamless synergy across all domains to effectively deter and decisively respond to any hostile provocation.
He also visited a forward post, where he interacted with troops deployed on the frontlines. He reiterated that any act of aggression would be instantaneously met with a swift and befitting response. He underscored that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment. Earlier, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Commander Rawalpindi Corps.
