Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified on Saturday that his country's nuclear arsenal exists for self-defence and peace, not for initiating conflict. He made the statement while addressing a gathering of Pakistani students in Islamabad, amid rising concerns over nuclear escalation during the recent four-day military confrontation with India.
Rejecting any notion of a nuclear strike during the escalation, Sharif said, “Pakistan’s nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes and national defence, not for aggression.”
He further disclosed that 55 Pakistani citizens lost their lives during the Indian military strikes, but insisted, “Pakistan had responded with full might” in retaliation.
India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on nine identified terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur — a known base of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit.
Sharif also addressed speculation around a possible change in Pakistan’s leadership. Refuting claims that President Asif Ali Zardari could be asked to step down or that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir harboured aspirations to become President, Sharif called them “mere speculations”.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing,” he told The News on Friday. He added that he, Zardari, and Munir share “a relationship built on mutual respect.”
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed Sharif’s sentiment and denounced the ongoing campaign targeting top officials. On Thursday, he posted on X, calling it a “malicious campaign” and said, “We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign.”
“I have categorically stated there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist, about the president being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency,” Naqvi added.
He also hinted at the involvement of foreign actors, saying, “To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah.”
Field Marshal Asim Munir was appointed as Pakistan’s army chief in 2022 for an initial term of three years. The current government later extended his tenure to five years, reinforcing his role in the country's military and political landscape.
