Pakistan’s Nuclear Arms ‘Not for Aggression’, Says PM Shehbaz Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday firmly denied any intention of using nuclear weapons during the recent conflict with India, emphasizing that Pakistan's nuclear programme exists solely for "peaceful purposes and national defence." Addressing a group of students in Islamabad, Sharif underlined that the country's deterrence is not meant for aggression.

Reflecting on the four-day military confrontation with India, Sharif said 55 Pakistani nationals were killed in the Indian military strikes. He claimed that Pakistan had retaliated with "full might" during the escalation but reiterated that nuclear weapons were never considered.

"Pakistan's nuclear capability is aimed at peace and protecting our sovereignty. It is not for initiating conflict," Sharif said in response to a query about the possible use of nuclear arms.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including areas in Bahawalpur - known to be a stronghold of the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Meanwhile, Sharif also rejected reports suggesting internal rifts within Pakistan's leadership. He dismissed speculation that President Asif Ali Zardari might step down or that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir harboured ambitions to assume the presidency. Calling these reports "mere speculations," Sharif affirmed that no such discussions had taken place.

"Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is any such plan under consideration," Sharif told The News.

He further stressed that his working relationship with both Zardari and Munir was based on mutual respect. His comments came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a strong statement on X, denouncing what he described as a "malicious campaign" against the country's top leadership.

Naqvi, considered close to the military establishment, claimed the campaign was being fuelled by foreign elements. "We know who is behind this campaign," he stated. "There is no truth to rumours about the president resigning or the COAS eyeing the presidency."

He added, "To those spreading this narrative in partnership with hostile foreign agencies-do what you will. We will continue doing what's necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah."

Field Marshal Asim Munir, appointed army chief in 2022, had his original three-year tenure extended to five years by the current government.

(With PTI inputs)