Nawaz breaks silence after ceasefire

LAHORE:

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif finally broke his silence on India-Pakistan standoff, but only after a ceasefire was reached between the two nuclear armed rivals after intervention of the US, with a mere congratulatory message for services

chiefs and his younger brother—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The PML-N president, who, according to party sources, had returned to Pakistan from London by cutting short his visit in the wake of rising tension between the two countries following the April 22 Pahalgam incident largely remained confined to his residence.

His position on this standoff that lasted for over two weeks was anxiously awaited in political circles, as in the past, he had been critical of Pakistan's security establishment. However, he remained tightlipped.

Following his meetings with the PM in Lahore and then in Islamabad, Nawaz, according to party sources, had advised Shehbaz and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to explore diplomatic options to ease tensions.

Given his perceived ties with the Incumbent Indian PM, Narendra Modi, some had hoped that Nawaz Sharif would try to intervene. However, that too did not happen.

Soon after the ceasefire was reached on Saturday evening, Nawaz took to social media, congratulating and commending Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, and the Pakistan Armed Forces.

"Pakistan is a peace-loving country that prioritizes peace but also knows how to defend itself. Long live Pakistan," his post said. There was no word against the neighboring country for ceaselessly violating the country's sovereignty since May 7.

Nawaz's silence on the war-like situation between India and Pakistan prompted many social media users to criticize the former PM for lacking the courage to speak out his mind during testing times. Comparisons were also drawn between Nawaz and PTI founder Imran Khan.