WR Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was trying hard to avenge the humiliating setback of last year’s war through “covert tactics” and “proxies” aimed at creating instability in Pakistan.

“Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating setback in the 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 noting that Pakistan was navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats.

The prime minister was addressing a passing-out parade of the 125th Midshipmen Course and the 33rd Short Service Commission (SSC) Course as a chief guest at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. He said the entire country remained steadfast in its “iron resolve” to defeat the nefarious designs of enemies, while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy to address all outstanding disputes.

PM Shehbaz also highlighted that the address was taking place in the backdrop of monumental global developments affecting lives in ways “unimaginable before He also paid tribute to the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir for his relentless efforts towards regional peace.

Commenting on the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, PM Shehbaz said, “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.” The premier also stressed the evolving regional situation and highlighted the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains.