India resorting to covert tactics, using proxies to destabilise Pakistan: PM Shehbaz

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was trying hard to avenge the humiliating setback of last year’s war through “covert tactics” and “proxies” aimed at creating instability in Pakistan.

“Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating setback in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability in our country,” the premier said while noting that Pakistan was navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats.

The prime minister was addressing a passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen Course and the 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course as a chief guest at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi.

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Referring to the Afghan insurgency, the premier said, “Our valiant armed forces continue to confront the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders,” adding that the nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces.

He said the entire country remained steadfast in its “iron resolve” to defeat the nefarious designs of enemies, while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy to address all outstanding disputes.

PM Shehbaz also highlighted that the address was taking place in the backdrop of monumental global developments affecting lives in ways “unimaginable before”.

“Pakistan stands proud as a peacemaker in the comity of nations. Pakistan’s sincere mediation efforts with the support of brotherly and friendly countries led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran,” the premier emphasised.

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He also paid tribute to the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir for his relentless efforts towards regional peace.

Commenting on the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, PM Shehbaz said, “It was not only a manifestation of the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran but also an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s important role to promote peace in the region.”

The premier also stressed the evolving regional situation and highlighted the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains.

“Today, the right of free passage and freedom of navigation are no longer luxuries but have become an absolute necessity for the entire world.”

The premier reiterated the government’s commitment towards strengthening the navy as a “potent and effective force” that is “not only capable of ensuring national defence, but also acting as a stabilising force in the wider maritime region”.

He noted that the strategic naval force produced “tangible operational results” during operations Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos against India.

While advocating the Kashmir and Palestine causes, the PM reiterated the country’s resolute and unwavering commitment towards the “just” causes.

Addressing the cadets, the head of the government further said that they were joining the maritime force at a time of profound transformation. He underscored the importance of modernising naval capabilities, particularly in the domains of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, to meet emerging challenges across the seas and beyond.

Concluding his address, he congratulated the cadets for successfully pursuing the course.

“The rank you wear on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility. As you embark on this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor nor do fair winds define a captain. It is the rough seas and strong winds that test one’s mettle.”

Cadets from Turkey, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Djibouti were also among the passing-out officers.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz had arrived in Karachi earlier in the morning, where Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed him.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarrar also accompanied the premier on the visit.