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• Insists Pakistan committed to dialogue, diplomacy
• Says India resorting to covert tactics, proxies after defeat
• Attends naval academy passing-out parade
• Stresses PN can act as stabilising force in maritime region
• Reiterates support for Kashmiris, Palestinians
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that the country stood proud as a peacemaker among nations amid major global developments and evolving security challenges.
Addressing the passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen and 33rd Short Service Commission Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar, during a one-day visit to Karachi, the premier said Pakistan remained committed to resolving outstanding disputes through peaceful means while standing firm against threats to its security.
“Pakistan is navigating conflicts and multifaceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats,” he said.
He said Pakistan’s armed forces continued to confront the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from the western borders, adding that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with them.
“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.
PM Shehbaz said India was increasingly resorting to “covert tactics and the use of proxies” in an attempt to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan.
He also asserted that Pakistan remained resolute in its commitment to advocating the cause of the Kashmiris, Gazans and Palestinians.
In his remarks, PM Shehbaz said his address was taking place “in the backdrop of monumental global developments that are affecting our lives in ways unimaginable before”.
“Pakistan stands proud as a peacemaker in the comity of nations. Pakistan’s sincere mediation efforts, with the support of brotherly and friendly countries, led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which I also had the honour of signing as a mediator,” the premier added.
PM Shehbaz also referred to the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, saying it was “not only a manifestation of the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran but also an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s important role to promote peace in the region”.
He said the evolving regional situation had “highlighted, more than anything else, the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains”.
“Today, the right of free passage and freedom of navigation are no longer luxuries but have become an absolute necessity for the entire world,” he added.
He assured that the government remained “fully committed to strengthening Pakistan Navy as a potent and effective force” that was not only capable of ensuring national defence but also acting as a stabilising force in the wider maritime region.
The prime minister appreciated the Pakistan Naval Academy for imparting quality training to Pakistani cadets as well as trainees from friendly countries.
He also commended the Pakistan Navy’s professionalism in safeguarding national maritime interests during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos by deterring a numerically superior adversary and keeping it at bay, and during Operation Muhafizul Bahr for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of critical energy supplies amid a challenging regional security environment.
Addressing the graduating cadets, the premier congratulated them on the successful completion of their rigorous training and transition into commissioned service as officers of the Pakistan Navy.
He said he was particularly delighted to see young officers from brotherly countries of Turkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Djibouti at the parade.
“I am confident that the knowledge, training and professional experience acquired at this esteemed training institution will prove very valuable to them throughout their careers and they will contribute meaningfully to the operational effectiveness of their respective navies,” he said. 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”.
Earlier, upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
The premier also gave away prizes to the winners.
Midshipman Umar Mukhtar was declared the winner and recipient of the coveted Sword of Honour for overall best performance, while Midshipman Hadi Abbas Khan won the Academy’s Dirk.
Officer Cadet Hafiz Muhammad Ahmed Munawar won the Chief of Defence Forces Gold Medal and Officer Cadet Ulveera Hamza from the SSC Course clinched the Commandant Gold Medal. The Proficiency Banner was claimed by Maintop Squadron.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz arrived in Karachi on Saturday morning, where he was welcomed by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also accompanied the prime minister on the visit.
Shazia Hasan also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026
