PM rallies diaspora for unity, solidarity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underlined the significance of unity and solidarity that led to Pakistan's emphatic triumph in the recent armed conflict with India, vowing to steer the country on the path of progress and prosperity.

Addressing a gathering of overseas Pakistanis in London, the prime minister congratulated them on the May 10 victory over India, describing it as a "great triumph" that would be remembered by the enemy forever.

Recalling the events, he said India had levelled baseless allegations over the Pahalgam incident, but during his visit to Kakul, he had offered an international probe to prove the falsity of those claims but Delhi did not respond.

On May 6, he added, Indian forces unleashed aggression against innocent civilians and civilian assets inside Pakistan, causing casualties. In response, Pakistan shot down six enemy fighter jets "in one go," exposing India's vulnerabilities.

The prime minister said that on May 10, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir phoned him with confidence and composure, seeking permission to respond to India's repeated aggression. The swift action that followed, Shehbaz noted, demonstrated the armed forces' valour and professionalism, backed by Allah's help, advanced techniques, and national unity.

He credited Field Marshal Asim Munir for leading the fight, praised the bravery of officers and troops, and lauded the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) under the Air Chief Baber Sidhu's command for setting an unmatched precedent.

Shehbaz stressed that the 240 million citizens stood united with their armed forces. He said Pakistan's victory, coupled with achievements on the diplomatic and economic fronts, had elevated the status of the "green passport" globally.

While reaffirming Pakistan's preference for peace, he offered dialogue with India on Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism - but on equal terms. "The onus is upon us whether to live in peace or war," he said, adding that without resolving Kashmir, bilateral ties could not be normalised.

Turning to the economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the overseas Pakistanis as "ambassadors" saying that their remittances worth $38.5 billion in the past year had kept the country's economy afloat.

He stressed that only hard work, dedication and self-reliance could help Pakistan shed dependence on loans and earn global respect. He also pointed to Pakistan's youth bulge - 60% of the population - as both a challenge and an opportunity that could be harnessed through IT training and skills.

The prime minister also condemned the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Expressing his grief over 64,000 deaths, he said the world had not witnessed these heart-moving scenes. He called upon the Islamic world and the international community to address the crises urgently.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said overseas Pakistanis served as bridges between nations.