ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called upon India to rethink its present hostile and misguided policies, adding that India cannot impose its will on Pakistan.
Addressing an event marking the 52nd anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) in Islamabad on Monday, he said that Pakistan promptly retaliated to the recent Indian escalation with a quid pro quo plus response.
Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and regional integrity. He accused India of using the Pahalgam false flag incident as a pretext for aggression, to which Pakistan responded swiftly and effectively.
He said during the four-day war, Pakistan once again underscored the reality that India can neither intimidate nor coerce Pakistan.
Dar stated that India’s unilateral and unlawful decision to place the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance holds no legal standing. Dar further emphasised that Pakistan will continue to engage all relevant international and legal forums to highlight India’s violations of international law and the treaty’s provisions.
He made it clear that Pakistan will not allow India to hold its 240 million people hostage to hydro terrorism.
Kashmir dispute
Ishaq Dar added sustainable peace in South Asia remains contingent on a just solution of Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of Kashmiri people.
Iran’s nuclear issue
The deputy PM voiced deep concern over recent developments in the Middle East while condemning Israeli aggression against Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to self-defence.
He went on to say that Pakistan has always endorsed Iran’s legal stance and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The Deputy Prime Minister called for resolving Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue and reaffirmed support for Iran’s sovereignty.
Two-state solution for Palestine
Dar strongly condemned what he described as Israel’s genocidal actions against the Palestinian people, stating that the scale of brutality inflicted on defenceless civilians is unprecedented in history.
He called on the international community to take decisive action against the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, emphasising that lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian issue.
Ties with Afghanistan
The Deputy PM urged the Afghan government to ensure that its territory is not used for terrorism against any country. He said Pakistan is committed to improving its relations with Afghanistan.
He concluded by highlighting the growing strength of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership and reiterated that boosting trade and foreign investment remains a top government priority.
