Pakistani Prime Minister hails PAF for safeguarding country's sovereignty
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday commended the
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its unwavering role in safeguarding the country’s
sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During a meeting with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief
Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, at the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz
hailed the PAF’s enduring legacy of bravery, professionalism, and operational
excellence.
“The valiant Shaheens of the Pakistan Air Force stand as an
impregnable shield in the defense of our motherland,” the prime minister
remarked, acknowledging the sacrifices made by air personnel in the line of
duty.
The two leaders discussed key military and strategic issues,
with a strong focus on enhancing Pakistan’s aerial defense capabilities. PM
Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national
defense infrastructure and ensuring the continued advancement of the PAF’s
operational readiness.
He also recalled the Air Force’s decisive role during
critical moments in Pakistan’s history, noting its successful combat operations
and ability to neutralize threats, including the downing of enemy aircraft
during armed confrontations.
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Backdrop: Pakistan-India Conflict – May 2025
The meeting comes in the wake of heightened military
tensions between Pakistan and India earlier this year. In May, a four-day
conflict erupted following an April 22 attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead—a
strike India attributed to Pakistan. Islamabad categorically rejected the
accusation.
India responded with a series of retaliatory measures,
including:
- Suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty
- Closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing
- Cancellation of visas for Pakistani citizens
- Downgrading diplomatic missions and shutting down Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi
Tensions escalated on May 7, when missile strikes hit six
cities across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), killing dozens,
including women and children.
In response, Pakistan's armed forces launched a swift
counteroffensive, reportedly downing six Indian fighter jets, including three
Rafale aircraft. On May 10, India carried out missile strikes targeting
Pakistani airbases, prompting Operation Bunyanum Marsoos — a retaliatory
campaign in which Pakistan targeted Indian military installations, including
missile depots and airbases.
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The hostilities were brought to a halt after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a brokered ceasefire, later confirmed by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and India’s foreign secretary.
Source: Express Tribune