ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a ceasefire understanding with India during a meeting with Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, while also warning that the country remained ready to defend its sovereignty in case of future aggression.
The meeting came days after cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and India were brought to a halt under a ceasefire agreement announced by US President Donald Trump.
According to state media, Sharif described the development as consistent with Pakistan’s peaceful posture.
“Pakistan is a peace-loving nation and in this spirit, agreed to accept the ceasefire understanding with India,” Sharif said, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
He also praised the armed forces for the successful conduct of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, calling it a “historic victory” for the nation.
The prime minister also thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for their “unwavering solidarity” during the recent tensions, calling it a reflection of the “enduring friendship” between the two countries.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan maintain close political and defense ties, with expanding cooperation in energy, trade and investment.
Sharif described Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad in July 2024 as a key milestone, followed by his own visit to Baku in February, which helped open new avenues of bilateral collaboration.
Ambassador Farhadov congratulated the prime minister and the Pakistani nation on the success of the military operation and reaffirmed his country’s support for regional peace.
He said President Aliyev placed high importance on bilateral relations and expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
