PM Shehbaz Says India Seeking to Destabilise Pakistan Through Proxy Activities

Karachi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday accused India of resorting to covert tactics and the use of proxies to undermine Pakistan’s peace and stability following what he described as its “humiliating setback” in the conflict of May last year.

Addressing the passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen Course and the 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi as the chief guest, the prime minister said Pakistan continued to face complex security challenges arising from both internal and external threats.

“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,” he said.

Referring to the security situation along Pakistan’s western border, the prime minister stated that the country’s armed forces remained engaged in combating foreign-sponsored terrorism. He said the nation stood firmly behind its armed forces and remained committed to defeating the designs of hostile elements while continuing to pursue peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Highlighting the changing global landscape, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan was playing a constructive role in promoting regional and international peace. He noted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts, supported by friendly countries, had contributed to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran.

The prime minister also paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for his efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. Referring to the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, he said the visit reflected the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in fostering regional peace.

Emphasising the growing importance of maritime security, PM Shehbaz said secure sea routes and freedom of navigation had become essential for global trade and international supply chains. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan Navy as a capable force for national defence and regional maritime stability.

The prime minister noted that the Navy had demonstrated tangible operational capabilities during Operations Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos. He also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Kashmir and Palestine and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to their causes.

Addressing the graduating cadets, PM Shehbaz underscored the need to modernise naval capabilities, particularly through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, to effectively address emerging maritime challenges.

Congratulating the graduating officers, he urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and dedication, reminding them that true leadership is tested during times of adversity.

Cadets from Türkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iraq and Djibouti were also among those who successfully completed the courses.

Earlier, the prime minister arrived in Karachi, where he was received by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarrar also accompanied him during the visit.