PAF victory has altered global and regional perceptions: PM

Foreign Minister Dar expresses hope a dialogue with India, aimed at solving all the outstanding problems between the two sides, will begin soon

STATE OF THE NATION

May 15, 2025

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s success in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos has not only reshaped global perceptions of the country but also altered the strategic equation in the region.

Paying tribute to the courage and professionalism of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the Prime Minister praised its pilots for inflicting a decisive defeat on Indian forces during the operation. He said the success had reinforced the confidence of Pakistan’s allies and supporters in its ability to overcome all manner of challenges.

Speaking to PAF personnel during a visit to Kamra Airbase on Wednesday, Mr Sharif said the “valiant eagles of the PAF shattered the enemy’s arrogance in a matter of hours”. He added, “Our fearless airmen have delivered a powerful message — any future misadventure will be met with a devastating response.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan had been extended until 18 May. Addressing the Senate, Mr Dar said that talks were currently limited to military channels, but the matter would soon progress to a political dialogue between the two nations’ civilian leadership.

He confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides had held a first round of talks via hotline following the announcement of the initial ceasefire. “Ultimately, this will move towards a comprehensive political dialogue,” Mr Dar told lawmakers, adding that a broad resolution of all outstanding issues would be sought.

Prime Minister Sharif has invited India to engage in a wide-ranging dialogue to address longstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue and water distribution between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

However, the challenge of drawing India into meaningful talks was highlighted by a provocative statement from Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who suggested that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He also questioned whether nuclear weapons were “safe in the hands of a rogue and irresponsible nation”.

Pakistan swiftly condemned the remarks. In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said: “Such irresponsible comments reflect a deep-seated insecurity and frustration over Pakistan’s effective deterrence against Indian aggression through conventional means. Pakistan’s conventional capabilities are sufficient to deter India, without resorting to the nuclear blackmail that New Delhi appears to embrace.”

Mr Khan further criticised the Indian minister’s understanding of the IAEA’s role, saying the comments demonstrated “sheer ignorance of the mandate and responsibilities of a specialised United Nations agency”.