Kohat - Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam, on Sunday declared that Pakistan has given a “befitting response” to India’s recent unprovoked aggression, effectively thwarting the “nefarious designs of the enemy.”
Speaking at a large public gathering in Kulachi, Kohat, the minister lauded the professional competence and battlefield readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces, who, he claimed, shot down six Indian Air Force (IAF) jets and several drones.
“Our military has once again demonstrated its superiority and resilience, shaking the very foundations of the Indian military establishment,” he said.
Engr Muqam noted that Pakistan initially exercised maximum restraint in the face of Indian aggression but was compelled to respond in self-defense. “Our response was precise, decisive, and necessary. The enemy has suffered significant losses,” he added.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, the minister emphasized that the country’s desire for peaceful coexistence should never be mistaken for weakness.
Declaring Operation Iron Wall a historic success in safeguarding national security, he described it as a symbol of complete unity between the political leadership, the military, and the nation.
He paid tribute to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country.
The federal minister said that today’s Pakistan is under strong leadership, where national unity, political stability, security, and consistent development are top priorities.
He added that the effective solution to the challenges facing the country lies in these very elements, to which the government is paying full attention. He also stated that India’s aggression had only served to keep the Kashmir issue alive on the international stage.
“Pakistan is a powerful nation with a strong professional army, air force, and navy. We seek peace, but we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty at all costs,” he said.
Engr Amir Muqam reiterated that the Pakistan Armed Forces gave a strong response to Indian aggression, sending a clear message that the nation is awake and united. He saluted the armed forces for their decisive action.
He affirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces are the defenders of the nation’s borders, and the 250 million people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
Muqam said the Armed Forces have made Pakistan proud on the international stage. The entire nation stands behind its military.
He urged the international community to press India to grant the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) their right to self-determination.
Muqam praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his proactive diplomacy and efforts to raise the Kashmir issue on global platforms, exposing the “fascist” policies of the Modi government.
He commended the Prime Minister for his leadership role in the success of Operation Iron Wall.
Condemning the Rs40 billion financial scandal in Kohistan, the federal minister alleged that even a peon in the province cannot be transferred without paying a bribe.
He praised the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for initiating investigations into the scandal, stating that thorough inquiries would be conducted to hold those responsible accountable.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people, he pledged continued solidarity until they achieve freedom.
Turning to domestic politics, the minister criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he described as its failure to deliver during its 12-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He accused PTI of prioritizing agitation over governance, which, he claimed, has alienated the public.
Expressing confidence in the growing influence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he predicted a strong performance in the upcoming elections.
Engr Muqam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to people-centric policies aimed at bringing tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary citizens.
In a significant political development, JUI-F leader Fawad Khan, along with his family and thousands of supporters from Lachi, Kohat, formally joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Fawad Khan is the brother of former MPA Major Shadad Khan (Retd) and the son of former minister and Deputy Speaker Shad Muhammad Khan.
Following MPA Ali Hadi from Kurram district, another key political figure has now joined the PML-N.
During the ceremony, Engr Amir Muqam presented the traditional PML-N cap to the new members and welcomed them, stating that their inclusion reflects the growing popularity of PML-N and public trust in the leadership of Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.