Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Pakistan had proven it was a self-respecting nation by giving a befitting response to Indian aggression. He also said that India had imposed an unjustified war on Pakistan using Pahalgam attack as an excuse. He also expressed hope that India would come to the negotiating table to resolve key issues between the two countries.

Addressing the nation after a ceasefire was agreed upon by Pakistan and India, Shehbaz said that Pakistan had achieved a great victory through the prayers of its people.

“You have made it clear to the world that Pakistan is a self-respecting nation. Our respect and valour are more dear to us than our lives. If anyone challenges them, we become an iron fortified wall to protect our land,” PM Shehbaz said.

He paid special thanks to China for its help during the entire crisis. He added that China had always came to Pakistan’s aid regardless of whether the matter would be of any gain to itself.

The PM said that the armed forces, in particular the Pakistan Air Force had raised the heads of the entire nation with honour.

He also thanked the political parties in the country including the opposition for showing exemplary unity in the face of the crisis.

“Innocent lives, mosques and civilian populations were targeted through drones and missiles and our patience was tested,” he said.

Shehbaz also thanked Trump as well as the leaders of Saudi Arabia, UK, Qatar and other friendly countries to help achieve the ceasefire.

He also thanked the media and social media users for combating fake news during the entire crisis.

Shehbaz said that he hoped India would ow turn to negotiations as a way to resolve long-standing issues between the countries including water, Kashmir and other matters.