India Using Proxies to Spread Terrorism in Pakistan: PM Shehbaz

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said India was carrying out terrorism across Pakistan through proxy elements after suffering a humiliating defeat in Marka-e-Haq — the period of conflict with India from April 22 to May 10 last year.

Addressing a special Kashmir Solidarity Day session at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad, the prime minister said durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved until India abandons what he described as aggressive and expansionist designs.

His remarks came in the aftermath of recent deadly attacks in Balochistan by India-backed Fitna al-Hindustan — Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants — who targeted civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni on January 31.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said security forces have successfully concluded Operation Raddul Fitna 1, eliminating at least 216 terrorists in coordinated engagements and clearance operations.

However, ISPR added that 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, along with 22 personnel of the security forces and law enforcement agencies, embraced martyrdom during the operations.

“We have gathered today to show solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan is present to express unwavering support for their cause,” the prime minister said.

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Paying tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiri freedom fighters, Shehbaz said the struggle of Kashmiris would not go in vain. He stressed that Kashmiris were willing to sacrifice their children but never their freedom.

Recalling the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he reiterated that Kashmir was the “jugular vein of Pakistan” and asserted that it has never been part of India.

The premier praised the decisive victory in Marka-e-Haq, led under the guidance of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying it revived the Kashmir cause globally and weakened India’s narrative diplomatically. He also acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s role in highlighting the issue internationally.

“Pakistan’s victory was also a victory for Kashmiris. India has no option but to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination,” he said.

The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to peace, but added that peace must be based on equality and justice, warning that India would face a strong response on every front it opens.

He also announced plans to establish new educational institutions, including Danish School campuses and a university in Muzaffarabad, to strengthen education, health, and infrastructure development in AJK.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on Palestine and Kashmir, Shehbaz said unity was essential to counter hostile designs and stressed that Pakistan had taken principled diplomatic steps for peace in Gaza.