Acting President Yousaf Raza Gilani stated that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state during his speech at the 41st annual dinner of the Old Ravians Association in Lahore. He emphasized that despite Indian aggression following the Pahalgam incident, Islamabad maintained restraint while safeguarding its right to self-defense.
The tensions escalated on April 22, 2025, after an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the incident but was rejected by Pakistan. In response, India took several hostile actions on April 23, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s embassies.
Gilani highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, dialogue, and stability regionally. He also emphasized the need to address global challenges such as climate change and adapt to evolving demands. The acting president stressed that Pakistan must align with emerging global challenges, particularly technological advancement and climate change.