SWABI: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam has said that Pakistan’s ‘remarkable victory’ against India in May has changed the entire strategic landscape of the region and Islamabad now ‘enjoys a highly respectable position’ in the comity of nations.

He made the remarks while addressing the members of the district bar association after administering oath to the new-elected office-bearers here on Saturday.

“The way Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir used his military skills during the Pakistan-India conflict is unparalleled,” he said, adding the way American President Donald Trump gave honour and protocol to Gen Munir at the White House was unprecedented in history, and it was the result of his (Munir’s) professional skills.

Muqam said the White House luncheon hosted by Trump was not a routine meeting but an extraordinary one, strengthening US-Pakistan relations.

“India’s policy to weaken Pakistan and defame it has been shattered and we have been blessed with a thumping victory,” he said.

He said he remembered when he visited the Line of Control during the escalation between Pakistan and India in May and saw the spirit and enthusiasm of soldiers and people there.

“If we have this spirit, no one can defeat us. We may belong to different political groups and parties, but when it comes to defending the sovereignty of Pakistan, then as a nation we are ready to fight together.”

“India’s policy of double standards has been exposed,” he said.

He said gone were the days when dollar rate fluctuated. “Our rupee was devaluing and the people were in a state of depression due to high inflation. Now, inflation has reached to single digits, economic stability has been achieved, the political situation is improving and Pakistan is on way to materialising its dream of economic progress and prosperity. All this is undoubtedly the result of Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif’s efforts,” he insisted.

Muqam flayed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for saying that the provincial budget would be passed after its approval from incarcerated leader Imran Khan.

“It is surprising that Imran Khan does not have confidence in his chief minister. The KP Assembly speaker says that ministers are corrupt, and similarly, fingers are being pointed at each other by the PIT lawmakers. What kind of government is this,” he questioned.

He announced that Rs2.5 million would be provided to the district bar. He also promised to make efforts for meeting lawyers’ demand of solarization of the bar building, establishment of a digital library, providing books for library and constructing a car parking.

Earlier, bar president Tayyab Zaman Khan said lawyers always played great role in Pakistan’s politics, democracy and the rule of law.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2025