Leaders hail unity and strategic maturity

Buoyed by a landmark military and diplomatic triumph, Pakistan's political and religious leadership broke into jubilation as the country's regional stature soared following a ceasefire agreement with India, clinched after a thunderous response brought New Delhi to heel.

Leaders from across the political aisle heaped praise on the armed forces for the meticulously executed Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, carried out just days after Pakistan made history by downing five Indian fighter jets, including four of the much-vaunted Rafales.

The celebratory mood came after a tense night across several cities as India launched unprovoked strikes in attempts to target PAF installations to escalate the conflict.

Former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, long seen as a proponent of mending fences with the eastern neighbour, took to the social media platform X to express his gratitude.

"Allah, the Almighty, be praised for raising Pakistan's stature," he posted, congratulating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and the armed forces.

"Pakistan is a peace-loving country and prefers peace, but it also knows how to defend itself. Pakistan Zindabad," the former premier added.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his own post, confirmed the breakthrough.

"Pakistan and India have agreed on an immediate ceasefire. Pakistan has always worked for peace and security in the region without ever compromising its sovereignty and territorial integrity."

He added that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was instrumental in facilitating this outcome.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared the ceasefire a validation of Pakistan's unity, faith and readiness.

"It has been proven that Islam, faith and the spirit of jihad can unite the Pakistani nation," he said.

"Pakistan now holds superiority over India. I hope the government will not lose a won war at the negotiation table."

Calling for assertive diplomacy, he added, "The time has come to raise the Kashmir issue with full force. The nation will accept no compromise on Kashmir. Progress must be made according to UN resolutions."

He also demanded full enforcement of the Indus Waters Treaty, which India unilaterally suspended in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

'Divine help'

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman added that divine support and national unity had steered Pakistan through peril.

"In difficult times, it was Allah's help and the nation's steadfastness that brought Pakistan honour in the face of Indian aggression." He extended congratulations to the nation, political leaders and armed forces.

"May Allah accept the martyrdom of innocent civilians in this recent conflict. The Indian-Israeli conspiracy to set the region ablaze has been foiled."

He emphasised that political cohesion and a solid defence infrastructure had forced the enemy to retreat. "May Allah continue to protect us from future trials. May He preserve our homeland and bless us with the true essence of an Islamic welfare state."

He also thanked Saudi Arabia and other brotherly countries for their positive role during the crisis.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her post on X, congratulated the nation and the military as well as the political leadership for the bolstered defence of the country.

"Pakistan has won! Alhamdulillah! Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces of Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif have made the nation proud and shown the world that Pakistan's defence is impregnable and the country is in safe and patriotic hands," she said.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also took to the social media platform, X, saying the people of Pakistan salute the brave armed forces for their bold and professional response to India's cowardice and war hysteria.

"We stand united behind our Prime Minister, who led the nation and a united front with courage, clarity, and unwavering resolve to stand firmly behind our armed forces at every step."

She noted that after exercising its right to self-defence, Pakistan, through Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, has shown the world "that we possess the technology, equipment, strategy and above all the unmatched spirit of our armed forces".

"The people of Pakistan also express their deep appreciation for the Pakistani media, which acted with maturity and responsibility. Refusing to partake in the fake news rut that the Indian media drowned in, Pakistani media stood firm on facts, exposed Indian lies, and upheld the integrity of the national narrative," she said.

The minister pointed out that even international media exposed India's propaganda, proving that the world recognises truth over noise.

"This is the mark of a responsible nation united in defence, dignified in narrative. Our leadership, armed forces, media, and people stand together. Pakistan is strong. Pakistan is proud. Pakistan Zindabad!" she added.