Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the recent four-day armed conflict between Pakistan and India, proved the "Pahalgam incident was a false flag operation".
"If it were otherwise," he said, "India should have presented solid evidence to the world to prove its case."
Addressing a ceremony at the US Embassy marking the 249th anniversary of American Independence, the prime minister recalled that during the Kakul Academy event, he had offered an international, credible and transparent probe into the Pahlagam incident, so that the world could sift through fact and fiction.
"Our sincere offer was met with aggression," he said. "But Pakistan responded with patience and restraint."
He said that on May 6-7, Indian aggression martyred 33 Pakistanis, including children and elders, and injured many others.
"In our right to self-defence, we shot down six Indian planes," he noted, adding that US officials in contact with Pakistan at the time acknowledged the response and urged de-escalation.
He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace, saying, "Despite our offer of de-escalation, India chose conflict."
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps.
Appreciating the role of US President Trump in securing the ceasefire, the prime minister said that Trump has proven himself to be a man of peace, committed to avoiding both cold and hot wars, and promoting trade and prosperity globally.
The US president had advised both Pakistan and India to go for trade, investment and give up war and de-escalate, he added.
He also lauded the role of the friendly and brotherly countries in the Middle East that proactively coordinated and supported Trump's genuine efforts. He expressed the hope that the truce would prove long-lasting.
The PM also extended felicitations to US President Trump and the people of the US on their Independence Day.
He expressed that the US-Pakistan ties were entering into a renewed friendship mode, and close contacts were being revived.
Tonight, Pakistani nation joined the US people in paying homage to the US founding fathers, whose foresight and wisdom had changed the course of history, he said, adding that their democratic struggle, rule of constitution and equality equally resonate with the ideals of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan.
The prime minister also mentioned the Pak- US enjoyed historic, long standing and broad-based ties spanning over centuries. The US had supported Pakistan with construction of dams and other development projects.
After 9/11, Pakistan faced a war on terror, its valiant forces and people laid down their lives and during the year 2018, they had comprehensively defeated terrorism.
About 90,000 valuable lives were lost, besides the country suffered economic losses worth $150 billion, he said, adding there could not be a bigger manifestation of their commitment and resolve to fight terror in all its shades and colours.
He expressed the hope that Pak-US bilateral trade would grow in volumes in the fields of IT, agriculture, education, health, etc., as both countries were discussing the tariff issue.
He said that he was really inspired by Trump's vision for trade, investment and growth.
Earlier welcoming the distinguished guests, US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-US relations and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation.
Marking the 249th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence here at the US Embassy in Islamabad, she said, "Tonight is not only a celebration of our independence, but a reflection of the shared values that bind our two nations – liberty, equality, self-governance, and the pursuit of happiness."
The event was attended by a large gathering of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, senior Pakistani government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, civil society representatives, and cultural icons, Baker paid tribute to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Baker, highlighting the historic nature of the relationship, noted that the US was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan's independence in 1947. "For the last 78 years, our partnership has grown in depth and dimension, rooted in mutual respect and a common vision of opportunity and prosperity," she added.
She recalled how US development cooperation, through institutions such as USAID, had contributed to strengthening Pakistan's education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors, and lauded the long-standing people-to-people ties that have been at the heart of bilateral engagement.
Baker praised the contribution of US and Pakistani military officers who have jointly trained and served, saying their efforts have enhanced regional security and saved lives. "Our cooperation on defense and counterterrorism has brought tangible results," she said, citing Pakistan's recent capture and extradition of the ISIS-K operative responsible for the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan.
She appreciated the Pakistani government and security leadership for their role in fostering regional peace and stability, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Asim Munir.
Touching upon economic engagement, she highlighted the recent Pakistan Critical Minerals Investment Forum and the growing collaboration in digital innovation and emerging technologies. She also referenced joint investments in cryptocurrency and other forward-looking initiatives that point to a 'shared vision for sustainable growth.'
In a diplomatic nod to recent regional developments, Baker credited joint Pakistan-US efforts in helping broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, describing it as a testament to the power of constructive cooperation.
"Together, we are charting new frontiers – in trade, security, culture, technology, and yes, even cricket," she remarked with a smile, referencing her engagement with Pakistani society on and off the field.
The event, featuring traditional American culinary flavors and a musical performance by the United States Air Force band, celebrated not just US national identity but also the enduring bonds between the American and Pakistani peoples.
In conclusion, Baker thanked all participants and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to a robust, mutually beneficial relationship. "Our relationship is strong – and the best is yet to come," she said. "May the United States and Pakistan continue to thrive together."
The reception reflected the vibrancy of bilateral ties and the evolving nature of a partnership aimed at promoting regional peace, economic growth, and global cooperation.
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