Staff Reporter
Lahore :Strongly condemning Indian aggression, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the entire nation will unite and combat the cowardly attack.The chief minister declared a state of emergency in the entire province.She directed all security institutions, including the police, to remain on high alert.The chief minister cancelled the leaves of doctors and other medical staff of all hospitals in Punjab and directed all employees to resume their duties immediately.She also directed the district administrations across Punjab to remain on high alert. She summoned the staff of all institutions, including civil defence.She urged the citizens not to leave their homes unnecessarily and called upon them to strictly adhere to the instructions of civil defence.She appealed to the citizens not to lend an ear to rumours.She directed all stakeholders to immediately report news of any injured or affected person to the nearest hospital or rescue institution.The chief minister also directed the Rescue 1122 and other relevant institutions to remain on high alert.”The enemy will be given a befitting reply as it had earlier been given on May 28, 1998.By the Grace of Allah Almighty, our armed forces will once again become victorious in fighting against its enemy.Every citizen of Pakistan will also attain success in fighting against its enemy,” she stated.She said the entire nation is standing shoulder to shoulder by the Pakistan Army. She said, “The Indian army started the cowardly aggression and we will put it to a logical end.We want peace, but with dignity and honour. If war is imposed on us, the security forces and the entire nation will give a befitting reply to its enemy.”Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid glowing tribute to the Pakistan Air Force for downing five Indian warplanes. She said, “India’s pride, arrogance and false propaganda has been reduced to ash.”She added, “The Pakistan Air Force has made it clear to the entire world that Pakistan wants peace, but will not compromise on its defence under any circumstance.”She highlighted that the armed forces by combating the enemy’s coward aggression had written history with golden words.”Pakistan has given a strong message across the globe that those who test its military might will always regret. The whole nation is proud of its security forces, we salute our brave soldiers and pilots,” she added.Meanwhile, discussing escalating tensions between Pakistan and India with Finnish Ambassador to Pakistan Hannu Ripatti, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan condemned India’s actions, describing it as “a state sponsor of terrorism” and accusing it of targeting not only Pakistan but also members of the Sikh community abroad, particularly in Australia and Canada.He said the Indian military had targeted civilians in urban areas of Pakistan, while the Pakistan Army had responded by striking military installations in self-defence, without harming civilians.”The entire nation stands united with its armed forces in the face of India’s aggression,” Governor Khan said. He added that while Pakistan seeks peace, it should not be mistaken for weakness.Governor Khan accused India of attempting to destabilise Pakistan, particularly in regions such as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and along the Afghan border, through support for militant groups. He also dismissed the recent Pahalgam attack as “a staged drama by India.”Despite the tensions, the governor emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Finland, especially in areas such as education.Ambassador Ripatti expressed condolences over the loss of civilian lives and conveyed Finland’s solidarity with Pakistan.He reaffirmed Finland’s ongoing collaboration with Pakistan through various exchange and development programmes, particularly in education.Governor Khan thanked the ambassador and expressed hope that Finland would play a role in presenting the international community with a clearer picture of the evolving regional situation.
