PM Shehbaz vows to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy for settlement of disputes

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to defeat the nefarious designs of its enemies while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue, and diplomacy for the resolution of disputes.

He made these remarks while addressing the passing out parade of the 125th Midshipmen and 33rd Short Service Commission Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan today stands proud as a peace-loving nation in the world, noting that its sincere mediation efforts, with the support of brotherly countries, led to the signing of the Islamabad MoU between the United States and Iran.

He added that the recent visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan was not only a reflection of strong bilateral relations but also an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace in the region.

Highlighting regional security challenges, the Prime Minister said Pakistan’s eastern neighbour India, after suffering what he described as a humiliating setback last year, has increasingly resorted to covert operations and proxy networks aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.

He further stated that Pakistan’s armed forces, with the full backing of the nation, continue to confront the threat of foreign-sponsored terrorism originating from across the western border in Afghanistan.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, the Prime Minister said the country remains committed to advocating the just causes of the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples on all international forums.

Emphasizing maritime security, he said the government is fully committed to strengthening the Pakistan Navy as a capable and effective force to ensure national defence and contribute to stability in the wider maritime region.

He also paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy for its role during “Marka-e-Haq” last year, saying it successfully deterred and denied access to a numerically superior adversary throughout the conflict zone.

The Prime Minister appreciated the successful conduct of Operation “Mahafiz-ul-Behr,” which ensured the uninterrupted flow of critical energy supplies to Pakistani ports despite a challenging regional security environment.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif urged graduating cadets to uphold the legacy of national naval heroes such as Commodore S.M. Anwar, Commander Zafar Muhammad Khan, and Vice Admiral Ahmed Tasneem, whose courage and professionalism brought pride to the country.

He also expressed delight at the participation of cadets from Türkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and Djibouti, expressing hope that their time at the Naval Academy would strengthen bonds of friendship between Pakistan and their respective countries.