India increasingly resorting to covert tactics, proxies to undermine peace in Pakistan: PM Shehbaz
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was increasingly resorting to “covert tactics and the use of proxies” in an attempt to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan. “Pakistan is navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats. Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability in our country,” the premier said while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi during a one-day visit to the metropolis. “At the same time, our valiant armed forces continue to confront the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders. The entire Pakistani nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces. The entire country remains steadfast in its iron resolve to defeat the nefarious designs of our enemies, while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy to address all outstanding disputes,” he said. He also asserted that Pakistan remained resolute in its commitment to advocating the cause of the Kashmiris, the Gazans and the Palestinians. Addressing the graduating cadets, he said they were joining the Pakistan Navy at a time of “profound transformation and unprecedented opportunities”. “As the maritime domain evolves, the navy is embracing cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to meet emerging challenges,” he said, urging them to “remain steadfast in the values of commitment, courage, discipline, integrity and loyalty”. “The rank you wear on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility. As you embark on this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor nor do fair winds define a captain. It is the rough seas and strong winds that test one’s mettle,” he said. According to the Prime M