India-Pak conflict could have taken a very dangerous turn: Shehbaz Sharif

Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Pakistan avenged the defeat of the 1971 war.

Published on: May 22, 2025, 23:05:53 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the recent military conflict between his country and India could have taken a "very dangerous turn". He also called the Pahalgam terror attack "unfortunate".

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (AFP file photo)

Twenty-six people died when terrorists opened fire at tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. In response, India destroyed nine terrorist sites in precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Later, Pakistan attacked India's military installations and civilian areas. The Indian military thwarted the attacks and wreaked significant damage to Pakistani air bases.

Pakistan's DGMO called his Indian counterpart, seeking a cessation of hostilities. The two countries later reached a ceasefire "understanding".

"The Pahalgam incident was unfortunate, but the war situation between the two countries could have taken a very dangerous turn at any moment," Shehbaz Sharif said at an event in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad.

Also read: Pakistan rejected IndiGo pilot’s airspace request amid turbulence on Delhi-Srinagar flight: Report

Pakistan's prime minister said the country offered a neutral probe, but India refused the offer.

"Pakistan was ready for an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, but instead of agreeing to it, India attacked Pakistan, which was responded to in a befitting manner," he said.

Shehbaz claimed that Pakistan avenged the defeat of the 1971 war.

Also read: ‘If the terrorists are in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are’: Jaishankar

The war between India and Pakistan in 1971 led to the split of Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh, which was earlier known as East Pakistan.

Pakistan claims only 11 of its military personnel were killed in the hostilities. However, the Indian military says dozens of Pakistani personnel died in attacks.

India has said that the only talks it could have with Pakistan would be on its occupation of parts of Kashmir and terrorism peddled by Islamabad.

With inputs from PTI

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.