Asked why India sought truce? Military sources reply: ‘We don't humiliate enemy'
'Though the enemy is still targeting our children through its proxies, even now they are being hit with missiles. They will not be spared under any circumstances,' the sources said while speaking with senior journalists at the Presidency on the sidelines of a ceremony where army chief General Asim Munir was formally handed the 'Field Marshal Baton'.
'In the Battle of Badr, there were 313 fighters under the leadership of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah had commanded that even if the number is small, it doesn't matter — gather a handful of dust or sand and throw it toward the enemy; it would strike them like missiles, because it was Allah who caused the impact,' the sources added.
'In the same way, in the recent war with India, there was divine support for Pakistan, which led to success. Alhamdulillah, we carried out such an action that the enemy had no answer,' the sources said.
The military leadership sources also hailed the 'exceptional harmony between our civil, political, and military leadership, the likes of which is rarely seen. We are proud of this unity.'
With regard to the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, the sources revealed that India did not speak to Pakistan directly; instead, indirect contact was made through intermediaries.
When the military leadership sources were asked about those targeting innocent children in Balochistan, they said, 'Even now, missiles are being fired at those responsible. Anyone who comes toward us will not be spared.'
When asked why the operation was named Bunyanum Marsoos, it was explained that in briefings to the field marshal, air chief, and other officials, it was said that Pakistani soldiers and fighter jets had stood like a formidable wall against the enemy. Therefore, the operation was named Bunyanum Marsoos, meaning 'a wall of molten lead.'
Asked what exactly forced the enemy into agreeing to a ceasefire, the military leadership sources replied: 'We do not insult the enemy.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan reaffirms balanced ties with US, China
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to maintaining strong relations with both China and the United States, stressing that its partnership with Washington should not be seen through the lens of its close ties with Beijing. Addressing the Pakistani community at the Consulate General in New York, Dar highlighted the country's diplomatic resurgence on the global stage, saying Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was now witnessing signs of economic revival. He called upon the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward resolving long-standing conflicts, particularly Palestine and the Jammu and Kashmir. "These disputes are critical for global peace," he said, stressing that the OIC, as the world's second-largest multilateral body, must transition from a symbolic role to a decisive one. He reiterated Pakistan's stance that a two-state solution remained the only viable resolution to the Palestinian crisis. Dar termed the UN Security Council Resolution 2788 a diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The resolution, adopted unanimously under Pakistan's presidency, focuses on "strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes". On Pakistan-India relations, Dar expressed Islamabad's willingness to engage in talks if invited, stating that resolving the Kashmir issue could unlock regional development, tourism, and investment. "Pakistan is ready for US mediation, but India's consent is necessary," he said. "If the US plays a proactive role, Kashmir dispute could be resolved," the foreign minister told the gathering. He welcomed the possibility of US President Donald Trump's visit to Pakistan, but said that any formal announcement would be made by both the countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to defend its sovereignty and regional stability, recalling the country's firm and resolute response during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos that led to the downing of six Indian aircraft. He praised the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during that critical moment. Rejecting India's allegations against Pakistan, Dar stated that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had already been dismantled, while the US had not provided evidence against the so-called "TRF" – the outfit India had blamed for the Pahalgam attack in April. On regional situation, Dar emphasised Pakistan's outreach to Afghanistan with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through rail and trade corridors to Central Asia. He hoped Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism, noting the recent assurances received from the Afghan authorities in that regard. He also mentioned Pakistan's diplomatic efforts for de-escalating the Iran-Israel hostilities. He said the Iranian president would visit Pakistan soon. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. Economic recovery Painting an optimistic outlook, Dar noted a sharp decline in inflation from 40% to 2.4% as of January 2025, crediting government policies and international engagement. "The global credit rating agencies have acknowledged Pakistan's improved macroeconomic outlook," he said. He outlined key government initiatives, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to streamline investment procedures and unlock opportunities in priority sectors. He said that Pakistan aspired to join the G-20. He told the Pakistani-American diaspora that the country had successfully completed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to Pakistan's development, particularly in investment, trade, education, and digital innovation. The DPM assured the community that the government was actively working toward an early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, including steps toward restoring routes to Europe and the United Kingdom, in line with international aviation compliance standards. Concluding his address, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's belief in diplomacy and dialogue, citing its UN Security Council presidency and efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution. He also reiterated Pakistan's push for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned in the US. "Pakistan is no longer isolated — we have friends across the world," Dar declared, underscoring the nation's renewed global standing and economic resurgence under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
11 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt bans land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims
Listen to article The federal government banned the overland travel for pilgrims heading to Iraq for the Arbaeen, citing security concerns in the restive Balochistan province, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday. Naqvi said that the decision had been taken after consultations with the Foreign Ministry, the Balochistan government, and the security agencies, adding that the pilgrims would be allowed to travel to Iraq only by air. Arbaeen, marking the 40th day of mourning after Ashura, sees millions of pilgrims, including thousands from Pakistan, travel to Karbala, Iraq, annually. Traditionally, many Pakistani pilgrims journey by road through Balochistan and Iran. However, due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province — including increased terrorist attacks by Indian proxy outfits — the government deemed the move necessary for public safety and national security. "After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year," Naqvi posted on X. "Zaireen will, however, be able to travel by air. Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to arrange maximum flights to facilitate their pilgrimage in the coming days," he added. "This difficult decision was taken in the interest of public safety and national security." On the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for arranging flights to facilitate the pilgrims, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced four special flights from Karachi between August 8 and 11, with return flights from Najaf scheduled from August 18 to 21. According to a PIA spokesperson the fare has been set at Rs212,000 per person, and the ticket sales had started. He added that more flights could be scheduled if necessary. Officials said passengers traveling by air individually will have to be sponsored by local people, otherwise they cannot enter Iraq. Meanwhile, private airlines have sharply increased fares, with tickets now ranging between Rs300,000 to Rs350,000. Tour operators estimate group travel expenses at $1,400 per pilgrim, compared to just $550 for land travel. This has raised fears that tens of thousands of low-income pilgrims might be unable to afford the journey. Salars — pilgrim group leaders — argue that the ban that has been announced just 15 days before Arbaeen has caused significant financial losses. They said that many people had already made advance payments for visas, vehicle certifications, and hotel bookings. They demanded that the government allowed supervised bus convoys under security agencies' protection or provide alternative transport arrangements. "This loss isn't borne by the rich but by the poor," a pilgrimage organiser told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymously. He questioned why the ban wasn't announced earlier during a recent trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq, where travel restrictions were discussed. During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Naqvi briefed him on Balochistan's security situation and the new pilgrim policy. The prime minister directed for the initiation of the Gwadar Safe City project to enhance security in the region. Naqvi emphasised the need for better pilgrim management. Starting next year, he said, the pilgrims will only be allowed to travel under officially registered group organisers, with special embassy-issued visas required for independent travel. This system aims to curb illegal travel and overstaying issues. Meanwhile, Naqvi also visited Quetta and Azad Kashmir. In Quetta, he paid tribute to martyred soldiers at the Frontier Corps headquarters, praising their sacrifices in maintaining peace. Later, in Muzaffarabad, he met the family of Major Rab Nawaz, a martyred officer, and offered condolences.
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Air travel to continue: Road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims banned
ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that Pakistani citizens would be prohibited from travelling to Iran and Iraq by road for this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage due to ongoing security concerns. The minister announced the decision through a post on X, following a detailed briefing to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the prime minister instructed the Aviation Minister to facilitate the pilgrims by arranging special flights to Iran and Iraq. The meeting also delved into the prevailing law and order situation in the volatile Balochistan province, with the prime minister urging the interior minister to expedite the implementation of the Gwadar Safe City project. In a post on X, Naqvi explained that the decision was made after comprehensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and various security agencies. 'This difficult decision has been taken in the interest of public safety and national security,' he added. However, Naqvi confirmed that pilgrims would still be allowed to travel by air, and this move is expected to ease some concerns amid heightened security threats in regions bordering Afghanistan and Iran. Earlier in May, Pakistan and Iran had agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure the smooth movement of religious pilgrims. This agreement includes keeping their shared border open 24 hours a day during Muharram and Safar, including the Arbaeen period. As part of the agreement, both countries have committed to increasing the number of flights available for pilgrims and have also explored the possibility of sea travel to alleviate congestion at land crossings. Tehran has also pledged to provide accommodation and meals for up to 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad during the peak season. Pakistan has faced a rise in terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, further complicating the safe passage of pilgrims during religious events. Each year, approximately 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, a significant religious event marking the 40th day of mourning after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in Karbala. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
