Amid heightened tensions and aerial military actions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reached out to leaders of major political parties on Saturday to discuss the evolving situation and brief them on the government’s planned course of action.
The PM’s outreach comes amid an alarming surge in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. On Saturday, Pakistan launched a major military counter-offensive, Operation Bunyān-un-Marsūs, following India's air-to-ground missile strikes on several Pakistani airbases, which Islamabad condemned as an outright act of aggression.
Pakistan’s military has since claimed responsibility for targeting critical Indian military sites in retaliation. State media reported that the Akhnoor Aviation Base, the Uri Field Supply Depot, and the Bhathinda Airfield were destroyed in the retaliatory strikes.
Shehbaz stresses restraint and resolve
In a series of phone calls, PM Shehbaz briefed political leaders on the ongoing situation. Among those contacted were Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Jamaat-e-Islami emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Balochistan Awami Party Chief Khalid Hussain Magsi, and Pakistan Muslim League (Q) leader Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
The prime minister shared details of Pakistan's retaliation against India, emphasizing the military's coordinated and decisive response in the early hours of Saturday. Despite India’s missile and drone attacks, which targeted both military sites and civilian areas, PM Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan responded with maximum restraint.
He pointed out that after the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan had called for an impartial investigation, a request India rejected. On Saturday morning, India launched additional missile strikes on the Nur Khan Air Base and other locations, with civilian casualties reported. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces swiftly carried out Operation "Banyan Al-Marsous," targeting the Indian military installations responsible for the attacks, delivering a powerful and justified retaliation.
‘Nation stands behind armed forces’
The premier expressed pride in the bravery of Pakistan’s forces, saying, "We are determined to thwart India’s attempts to undermine Pakistan's integrity." He also thanked the nation for its unwavering support, adding, "We are proud of our forces. This successful operation stands as a testament to their courage and professionalism."
In their discussions with the prime minister, political leaders praised the military’s resolve and offered their full cooperation and solidarity with the government and armed forces during this critical time.
Political leaders lauded the bravery and skill of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty.
In a separate meeting at the Presidential Palace on Saturday, the PM briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on India’s aggressive actions and Pakistan’s response, particularly through Operation "Banyan Marsus."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidential Palance.X
The president commended the professionalism and courage of the armed forces for delivering a decisive blow to India’s unprovoked missile attacks. He also emphasized that, while Pakistan has shown considerable restraint as a responsible, peace-loving nation, the country had no choice but to take firm action to defend its sovereignty.
"The Pakistani nation stands united, and we fully support our armed forces in this time of aggression," said President Zardari. "Pakistan will protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs."
Political leaders express support for armed forces
In a telephone conversation, PM Shehbaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari discussed the recent escalation. Bilawal expressed unwavering support for Pakistan’s military, stating, "We stand united in the defense and security of our nation. The Pakistani armed forces have proven their strength, and Pakistan will never compromise its integrity or dignity."
Opposition leader PTI spokesperson Waqas Akram Sheikh confirmed that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also had a brief conversation with the prime minister, during which he was briefed on Operation "Banyan-ul-Marsoos."
Barrister Gohar reaffirmed PTI’s full support for the armed forces, saying, "We stand with every soldier defending our country. Any aggression by India will be met with a unified and strong response."
Gohar emphasized the importance of national unity for Pakistan's security, urging the immediate release of Imran Khan, whom he described as the nation’s greatest leader. "As a representative of Imran Khan, I speak to you now: his release will unite the nation," he told the Prime Minister.
Parties echo support, propose diplomatic push
Meanwhile, in a conversation with religio-political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PM Shehbaz shared details about Pakistan’s national security strategy and the country’s retaliatory actions against India.
Rehman praised the military’s swift response to India’s aggression, commending the unity and strength displayed by the Pakistani nation. "India's continuous aggression has been witnessed by the world," said Rehman. "We will confront this challenge and defeat India on all fronts, with the entire nation standing firmly behind its armed forces."
In a separate phone call, PM Shehbaz briefed Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), on the specifics of Pakistan’s initial counter-attack. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to standing together against enemy conspiracies and defending the country with a resolute response.
The prime minister also spoke with Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), who expressed admiration for the professionalism and bravery of Pakistan's armed forces.
"Our forces’ skill in defending the homeland is commendable," said Hussain, adding that the vigorous counterattack had significantly boosted the morale of the nation.
Jamaat-e-Islami emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also weighed in, commending the Pakistani Armed Forces for their powerful response.
He assured the prime minister of his party's full cooperation in safeguarding the country, setting aside political differences for national security. Rehman also proposed that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts be enhanced by employing interpreters fluent in Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and English to ensure the country's position is effectively communicated to the world, both governments and citizens alike.
"Today, we stand united for the sake of Pakistan," Rehman concluded, reiterating the party's unwavering support for the armed forces.
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