Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday declared the ceasefire deal with India as a "historic victory" for his country. In a dramatic national address, he accused India of using the April 22 Pahlagam attack as an "excuse" to launch an attack on Pakistan.
Sharif's speech, laced with nationalist fervour, was given hours after India and Pakistan mutually agreed to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea. The ceasefire, which followed days of intense cross-border tensions, was hailed by Sharif as a victory of Pakistan’s "principles and respect," claiming that the military’s response was both "professional and effective."
"Our operation was against hatred, aggression, and religious fanaticism. This is a victory of our principles and respect. We did that with an enemy that suits an honourable nation. This is a victory not just for the armed forces, but for the whole nation," said Sharif in his address.
Sharif’s remarks, which emphasised the military’s role in the ceasefire, were framed as a response to India's alleged aggression. He described Pakistan as a "self-respecting" nation, asserting that the country had responded "in a language that it understands very well."
While Sharif portrayed the ceasefire as the result of Pakistan’s military prowess, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that it was Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations who made the call to New Delhi at 3.35 pm on Saturday, requesting a halt to hostilities. The ceasefire, which went into effect at 5 pm, was agreed upon with no concessions from India.
Also read: Situation steady in Jammu, Poonch; No overnight shelling reported
India maintained that its actions were limited to precision-based counter-terror operations in response to Pakistani aggression earlier in the week. However, the ceasefire barely held, with explosions reported in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district and drone activity observed along the Line of Control shortly after the agreement.
Artillery shelling was reported from multiple sectors, including Akhnoor, Rajouri, and RS Pura, prompting India to place its forces on high alert. Indian air defence systems were activated after drones were sighted near Army headquarters, triggering blackouts and red alerts in some areas.
Despite the tension, Sharif continued to frame Pakistan as the victim of an "unjustified war" allegedly waged by India, accusing Indian forces of targeting civilians, mosques, and infrastructure—claims that India has categorically rejected as misinformation. Visuals from the ground showed operational Indian airbases and untouched infrastructure, contradicting Sharif’s assertions.
Sharif also thanked global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and leaders from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, for facilitating the ceasefire.
Notably, Sharif referred to China as Pakistan’s "most reliable and trustworthy friend" and called for global efforts to resolve long-standing disputes such as the Kashmir issue and the Indus Waters Treaty.
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