PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Saturday paid rich tributes to the armed forces for bravely defending the country in the face of naked Indian aggression.

He was talking to the office-bearers of Watanpal Students Federation of Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, at Watan Kor here, according to a press release.

Aftab Sherpao said India made baseless allegations against Pakistan in the wake of Pahalgam attack. He said the Pakistan government had condemned the Pahalgam attack and offered an independent probe into the incident but India attacked Pakistan, which was a blatant act of war and naked aggression. He said Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism and the country condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The QWP leader said India was suffering from the illusion that it could intimidate Pakistan through its military muscle and establish a new normal, ‘but our brave and professional armed forces rose to the occasion and gave a stunning reply to India’, which was left with no option but to seek a ceasefire.

He maintained that Pakistan had proof of Indian involvement in the Jaffar Express train attack in Balochistan but Islamabad did not accuse New Delhi of being behind this assault, but India made baseless allegations against Pakistan in the wake of Pahalgam attack.

He also lauded the role of the Pakistani media during the escalation with India, adding that unlike the Indian news channels, the Pakistani media carried authentic news and did not sensationalise the situation.

Sherpao said the international community also sided with Pakistan largely and validated its stance. He said the time had come for India to hold comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. He also asked the federal government to come up with a strategy to put pressure on India to stop its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2025