Pakistan PM says country ‘won the war’, but seeks peace for regional prosperity

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan had "won the war" against India but stressed the need for peace to ensure regional development and prosperity.

Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad to mark Pakistan’s military success in recent aerial and border clashes with India, the prime minister said the country had dealt the "enemy" a blow they would not forget.

“We won the war, but we desire peace, so that this region can embark on a path of growth and prosperity.”

Sharif began by paying tribute to military leaders, diplomats, journalists, artists, and war veterans present at the ceremony.

He praised the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, for leading the military response.

'Regional policeman'

According to Sharif, Pakistani forces shot down six Indian planes, including Rafales and MiGs, during the battle. He said Pakistani missiles targeted Indian military sites in Pathankot and Udhampur.

“Our Shaheens and missiles attacked, and the enemy could not find a place to hide,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that India, which “considered itself a regional policeman,” underestimated Pakistan’s capabilities. He said the use of Chinese-made aircraft stunned global military observers.

He added that the conflict began after India rejected Pakistan’s offer to form an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident.

“India responded to Pakistan’s offer with aggression and attacked ruthlessly, killing innocent civilians, including a six-year-old child.”

PM Sharif stated that after heavy losses, India sought a ceasefire. “I said, what could be a greater honor than that you have forced the enemy to a ceasefire? Accept their offer.”

'Peaceful neighbors'

During his speech, the premier also thanked friendly nations for supporting the ceasefire and defended Pakistan’s position against what he called “India’s baseless propaganda.”

“I would like to thank all the ambassadors who stood by Pakistan’s position,” he said. “I am grateful to President Trump for his courageous leadership, which averted the threat of a horrific war.”

Despite the conflict, Sharif said Pakistan seeks peace. “Whether we like it or not, we are neighbors. Now it is up to us whether we remain peaceful neighbors or continue to fight.”

He called for negotiations with India, including on the Kashmir dispute and water sharing, saying, “If these issues are resolved, we can talk about trade and also cooperate in countering regional terrorism.”

PM Sharif reminded that Pakistan has sacrificed 90,000 lives and suffered an economic loss of 150 billion dollars.

“If our armies and security forces were not fighting terrorists, they would have spread to different regions of the world,” he said.

Tensions soared

Tensions flared after a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants and responded with air and missile strikes across the Line of Control, which Pakistan denied.

By May 7, both sides had exchanged heavy fire and drone attacks, raising fears of war, until a “full and immediate ceasefire” was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump on May 10.