Shehbaz Sharif Asserts Pakistan’s Right To Defend Itself; Warns India Against Resuming Hostilities

<p data-pm-slice=”0 0 []”>Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan is a peaceful nation, but it reserves the right to give a befitting response in its defence, as the country observed ‘Youm-e-Tashakur’ (Day of Thanks) to pay homage to the military. Both India and Pakistan reach an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Pakistan is a peaceful country, but it reserves the right to give a befitting response in its defence,&rdquo; he said, recalling the recent military confrontation with India.</p>
<p>Sharif said that the armed forces of Pakistan responded befittingly and effectively to India and wrote a golden chapter in the military history of the country. He also visited the residence of Squadron Leader Usman Yousaf, who was killed in attacks by India, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Army Chief Asim Munir, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied the prime minister.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan also said that Pakistan would respond to any aggression from India.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The recent announcement of a Pakistan-India ceasefire is a positive development. We urge India to faithfully adhere to its implementation,&rdquo; Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said while addressing the weekly press briefing.</p>
<p>However, he also asked the international partners to ensure India follows its commitments to avoid any aggression.</p>
<p>”Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond,&rdquo; he warned.</p>
<p>Khan also claimed that India was still showing a tendency to distort facts.</p>
<p>&ldquo;India&rsquo;s rhetoric reflects a persistent tendency to distort facts, justify aggression and cast unwarranted aspersions on Pakistan’s nuclear assets,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>He called Pakistan as a responsible state and remains committed to the ceasefire and taking necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability.</p>
<p>(With inputs from PTI.)</p>