The statement, reported by Pakistan’s leading daily Dawn, comes amid escalating tensions along the Pakistan-India border following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence sources have reportedly warned of a potential Indian strike on Pakistan within the next 36 hours.
“Pakistan is a nuclear power, and that alone is a significant deterrent. Our enemies know this,” said Maryam Nawaz. “There is no reason to panic despite the rising border tensions. With the grace of God, our armed forces are fully capable of defending our homeland.”
She stressed national unity, urging citizens and political factions to stand united behind the military. “Regardless of political differences, we must all become a wall of steel behind our army in the face of any external threat,” she said.
Maryam also credited her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, for playing a historic role in making Pakistan a nuclear-armed state, noting that the country’s strength is rooted in the sacrifices of its martyrs.
Her remarks follow growing fears of conflict after the recent Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, marking one of the most severe incidents in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have since deteriorated, with both countries suspending key treaties and closing airspace access.
In a separate development, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned of a strong response to any Indian aggression. During a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, he said Pakistan would defend its sovereignty and territory with full force.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared that the country would consider using nuclear weapons if its existence or sovereignty were at stake in the event of a full-scale Indian military operation.
