Shehbaz Sharif Reassures on Peaceful Intentions of Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal Amid India Tensions
Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, on Saturday, ruled out any potential nuclear conflict with India following recent military tensions, emphasizing that Pakistan's nuclear resources are meant solely for peaceful and defensive purposes.
Sharif addressed a group of Pakistani students in Islamabad, reflecting on the intense four-day military engagement with India. He confirmed that 55 Pakistani citizens lost their lives due to Indian strikes. "Pakistan responded with full might," he stated, referencing the country's military response to the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor.
The Indian military launched this offensive in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructures within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and was noted as one of the most significant Indian cross-border actions since the Balakot operation in 2019.
In response to questions about the potential for nuclear escalation, Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan’s nuclear program is strictly for deterrence purposes. "Our nuclear capability is not for aggression. It is solely for peaceful activities and the self-defence of our nation," he declared.
Sharif's statements come amid increased global scrutiny, with international observers expressing concern over the potential for a nuclear confrontation in South Asia. Nonetheless, Pakistani officials have consistently highlighted their commitment to a no-first-use policy, even as India opts for strategic ambiguity.
His remarks appeared to be an effort to ease tensions both domestically and internationally, as the region continues to deal with the consequences of the cross-border confrontation and its political repercussions.
