ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday discussed recent regional developments with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov against the backdrop of rising tensions following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jane Marriott called on Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, where both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests while promoting regional peace and security.
Separately, Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
During the telephone conversation, Ishaq Dar briefed his Azerbaijani counterpart on the latest situation in IIOJK, firmly rejecting India’s baseless allegations against Pakistan.
He also cautioned against India’s false propaganda against Pakistan and thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today held a telephonic call with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov @Bayramov_Jeyhun.
DPM/FM briefed him on recent developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir… pic.twitter.com/Jlga71ePtJ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 26, 2025
The two leaders further discussed strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
These diplomatic engagements come amid a series of consultations launched by Islamabad to reinforce alliances and ensure international backing amid escalating geopolitical tensions in South Asia.
The regional situation deteriorated sharply after gunmen opened fire on visitors in the Pahalgam area of IIOJK on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people and injuring 17 others.
On Wednesday, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic relations, and cancelled visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
In response, Pakistan on Thursday expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian citizens—except for Sikh pilgrims—and closed its side of the main land border crossing.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
Earlier today, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to defend its national interests while addressing the passing-out parade of cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the nation stood united behind the armed forces in safeguarding every inch of the homeland.
He declared that while Pakistan desired peace, this must not be mistaken for weakness, and any attempt to disrupt Pakistan’s water supply under the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with “full force and might.”
“Water is our lifeline and a vital national interest. Its availability will be safeguarded at all costs and under all circumstances,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also underscored Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to fighting terrorism, noting the heavy toll of over 90,000 casualties and economic losses exceeding 600 billion dollars.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott @JaneMarriottUK called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. Views were exchanged on recent regional developments.
DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests… pic.twitter.com/Qd6O1XDs6q
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 26, 2025
He criticised India for exploiting tragic incidents to level baseless allegations without credible investigations, describing the recent Pahalgam attack as another instance of India’s “perpetual blame game”.
Pakistan, he added, remained open to participating in any neutral, transparent, and credible investigation into the incident.
Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said the dispute remains unresolved despite being recognised internationally and endorsed by United Nations resolutions.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, vowing that their struggle and sacrifices would not be in vain.
