ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its important role in protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this sense, the Prime Minister made these statements during a meeting with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders reviewed key military matters with a focus on strengthening Pakistan’s aerial defence and enhancing operational preparedness.
In this regard, Shehbaz Sharif reasserted the government’s determination to investing in modern defence infrastructure and ensuring the continued strength of the PAF to protect Pakistan’s national interests.
This meeting came against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following a series of incidents earlier this year. Furthermore, on April 22, an attack in Pahalgam left 26 people dead, which India swiftly blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad firmly rejected the accusations, calling them baseless.
In addition, India undertook several hostile measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, halting visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, and ordering a reduction in diplomatic staff.
Moreover,tensions between two nuclear powered countries further escalated on May 7, when missile strikes targeted six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, killing dozens of civilians, including women and children.
Pakistan’s armed forces responded decisively, downing six Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets.
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The confrontation continued with Indian missile strikes on Pakistani airbases on May 10, prompting Islamabad to launch “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” which inflicted damage on Indian military installations.
