PM Shehbaz vows to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy for settlement of disputes

KARACHI-- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reasserted Pakistan's resolve to defeat nefarious designs of its enemies, while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy for settlement of disputes.

He was addressing the passing out parade of 125th midshipmen and 33rd Short Service Commission course at Pakistan Naval Academy, Karachi on Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan today stands proud as a peace maker in the world as its sincere mediation efforts with the support of brotherly countries led to signing of Islamabad MoU between the United States and Iran.

He said recent visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan was not only a manifestation of strong bilateral ties but also of Iran's acknowledgment of Pakistan's important role for peace in the region.

Highlighting the current security challenges faced by Pakistan, the Prime Minister said our eastern neighbour India, having suffered a humiliating setback at our hands last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and use of proxies to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability of our country.

Accordingly, our armed forces, resolutely backed by the entire nation, continue to confront the menace of foreign sponsored terrorism emanating from our western border Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to advocating the just cause of Kashmiri and Palestinian brethren.

Underscoring the significance of maritime security, the Prime Minister said the government remains fully committed to strengthen Pakistan Navy as a potent and effective force, capable of ensuring national defence and acting as a stabilizing force in the wider maritime region.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Pakistan Navy for its role during Marka-e- Haq last year when it successfully deterred and denied access to a numerically superior adversary within its area of operations throughout the conflict.

He also appreciated successful conduct of Operation Mahafiz ul Behr which ensured uninterrupted flow of critical energy supplies to our ports recently amidst a challenging regional security environment.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif urged the young cadets to uphold the proud legacy of legendary naval heroes like Commodore S M Anwar, Commander Zafar Muhammad Khan and Vie Admiral Ahmed Tasneem whose courage, sacrifice and professional excellence brought honour to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister was especially delighted to see the cadets from Turkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Djibouti. He expressed the hope that their experience and good memories at Naval Academy will serve as a bond of lasting ties uniting our countries.