Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday addressed the nation following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, expressed full confidence that peaceful negotiations would be pursued to resolve key issues, including the Indus Waters Treaty, terrorism, and the ongoing situation in Indian Illegaly Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The prime minister confirmed that Pakistan had responded positively to ceasefire proposals “for the sake of 230 million Pakistanis,” after weeks of military escalation following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam located in IIOJK, which left 26 dead. India blamed Pakistan-based elements, an allegation categorically rejected by Islamabad.
Read More: Regional powers welcome India-Pakistan ceasefire deal
However, Islamabad not only rejected the allegations but also offered an international-level investigation to probe the matter. In an aggressive move, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
On May 6–7, India carried out 24 airstrikes on six different locations inside Pakistani territory, resulting in the martyrdom of at least 31 civilians and injuries to 71 others.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed appreciation for the role of the United States in brokering the ceasefire, personally thanking US President Donald Trump “for playing a sincere and constructive role.” He also acknowledged the contributions of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, the United Nations Secretary-General, and “other allied countries” involved in the diplomatic effort.
Read More: PM Shehbaz confirms immediate Pakistan-India ceasefire
“My brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, my dear brother Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and my nice brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—all offered us strength and confidence in a difficult hour. I am grateful from the depth of my heart,” the prime minister said.
Earlier in the day, after the intervention of US President Donald Trump, a full and immediate ceasefire was reached between India and Pakistan after days of heightened military exchanges.
The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that India and Pakistan have agreed to a "full and immediate ceasefire" after both nations exchanged military strikes in recent days.
"After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence," he said in a post on Truth Social.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2025
PM Shehbaz gave special mention to China’s support, thanking President Xi Jinping, his government, and the Chinese people. “China has stood by Pakistan without concern for loss or gain. They have been our true friends for 78 years, and we will always remember this support,” he added.
The prime minister paid tribute to the country’s military leadership, saying, “I salute the heads of Pakistan’s armed forces and all our brave soldiers. I thank Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad, Army Chief General Asim Munir, the Air Chief, and the Naval Chief on behalf of myself and the nation.”
He added, “I warmly commend the Air Chief and his Shaheens—they have made us all proud.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s Air Force “silenced the Indian military’s guns within hours in a way history will never forget.” He added, “The enemy’s Rafale jets were rendered ineffective by the precision of our Shaheens. We responded in a manner befitting a dignified nation.”
He praised the unity of the Pakistani people, saying, “The entire nation stood like a wall of steel behind the armed forces. The blood of our soldiers boils at the enemy’s malicious intentions. India's airbases turned into ruins before their eyes. Pakistan achieved victory based on principles. This is a moment of gratitude, as the nation showers love upon its armed forces.
In response to the unprovoked aggression and airspace violations, the Pakistan Army shot down five Indian fighter jets and one combat drone.
According to a military spokesperson, the aircraft downed included three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one SU-series aircraft, and an Israeli-made Heron combat drone. The jets were downed in multiple locations, including Bathinda, Jammu, Akhnoor, Srinagar, and Avantipur.
Read More: Pakistan destroys India's BrahMos stockpile, airbases in 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos'
In the wee hours of Saturday, Pakistan deployed its Al-Fatah missile and targeted multiple Indian military installations and airbases that were being used to launch attacks on Pakistan. India’s Akhnoor Aviation Base, Bathinda Airfield, and Sirsa Airfield were reportedly destroyed.
Additionally, Pakistan destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in the Beas area, while Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder jets eliminated India’s S-400 air defence system stationed in Adampur using hypersonic missiles.
The prime minister paid tribute to the armed forces and saluted the mothers of martyred soldiers, stating, “Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.” He also extended thanks to political allies and opposition parties for standing united, including party chief Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, whose advice, he noted, had been “invaluable.”
Read More: India conceded 'defeat' at LoC by raising white flags: Tarar
He acknowledged the role of Pakistani citizens, particularly social media users, for countering misinformation and upholding national unity online. “Our people stood firm in the face of disinformation. I thank every user who became a digital soldier for the truth.”
Looking ahead, the premier voiced confidence in national resolve: “I am sure our political parties and civil-military leadership will continue working for the sake of Pakistan. We will not rest until we have regained our rightful place in the world.”
Read More: 7-year-old son of Pakistan Army officer martyred in Indian attacks
He urged unity, hard work, and renewed national ambition. “Let us work so hard that the world is left amazed—just as they are now at the courage of our armed forces.”
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