India resorts to covert tactics, uses proxies to destabilize Pakistan: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was trying to avenge the humiliating setback of last year’s war through “covert tactics” and “proxies” aimed at creating instability in Pakistan.

“Our eastern neighbor, having suffered a humiliating setback in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and use of intermediaries in an attempt to undermine the hard-won peace and stability in our country,” the prime minister said, while noting that Pakistan was undergoing multifaceted conflicts and security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats.

The Prime Minister addressed a farewell parade of 125th Midshipman Course and 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course as chief guest at Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi.

Referring to the Afghan insurgency, the prime minister said: “Our brave armed forces continue to face the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders,” adding that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its brave armed forces.

He said the entire country remained steadfast in its “iron determination” to defeat the nefarious designs of the enemies, while continuing to seek peace, dialogue and diplomacy to address all outstanding disputes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted that the speech was held in the context of monumental global events affecting lives in ways “unimaginable before”.

“Pakistan prides itself on being a peacemaker in the community of nations. Pakistan’s sincere mediation efforts with the support of brotherly and friendly countries led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

He also paid tribute to Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for his tireless efforts for regional peace.

Commenting on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “It was not only a manifestation of the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran but also a recognition of Pakistan’s important role in promoting peace in the region.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the evolving regional situation and highlighted the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains.

“Today, the right of free passage and freedom of navigation are no longer a luxury but have become an absolute necessity for the entire world.”

The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the navy as a “potent and effective force” that is “not only capable of ensuring national defense but also acting as a stabilizing force in the broader maritime region.”

He noted that the strategic naval force produced “tangible operational results” during the Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos operations against India.

While championing the causes of Kashmir and Palestine, the Prime Minister reiterated the country’s resolute and unwavering commitment towards “just” causes.

Addressing the cadets, the Head of Government further stated that they are joining the maritime force at a time of profound transformation. He underlined the importance of modernizing naval capabilities, particularly in the domains of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, to meet emerging challenges in all seas and beyond.

At the end of his speech, he congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the course.

“The rank you carry on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility. As you embark on this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor nor fair winds define a captain. It is rough seas and strong winds that test one’s mettle.”

Officers who fainted also included cadets from Türkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iraq and Djibouti.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz had arrived in Karachi early in the morning where he was welcomed by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarrar also accompanied the prime minister on the visit.