Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has delivered a firm message to India, warning it against provoking Pakistan, stating that it would be better for India not to escalate tensions further. “We had previously stated that we would respond in kind, and now we will reply to a brick with a stone,” he said during an address at a ceremony in Lahore.
Ishaq Dar condemned India’s recent actions following the Pahalgam incident, highlighting the country’s Pakistan-hostile measures, including its irresponsible move to end the Indus Water Treaty. He emphasized that such an agreement could not be unilaterally terminated without mutual consent from both nations.
The Foreign Minister remarked that the nation was concerned about India’s actions, prompting the government to decide on responding decisively. “After India’s actions, there was restlessness in the nation regarding the outcome, and we decided to give India a firm response,” he stated.
Dar further clarified that Pakistan has multiple agreements with India, and none of these agreements, including the Indus Water Treaty suspension, were part of any formal communication from India.
In an effort to strengthen regional relations, Ishaq Dar also mentioned that the longstanding cold relations with Bangladesh have now been resolved. “Respect cannot be compromised at any cost,” he asserted.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Response to India’s Aggression
In a significant diplomatic move, Ishaq Dar has taken charge of Pakistan’s diplomatic front, engaging with friendly nations to address India’s aggressive actions and baseless accusations. He briefed key allies, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, on the decisions made by Pakistan’s National Security Committee, discussing the changing regional dynamics.
Dar met with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, in Islamabad, where the two sides discussed India’s unfounded allegations, the decisions of the National Security Committee, and the regional situation. Both strategic partners agreed to continue close coordination and consultation.
In a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and safeguarding its national interests.
Dar also had a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, where he strongly rejected India’s accusations and updated him on the National Security Committee’s decisions. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with bilateral relations and agreed to continue consultation.
The Foreign Minister also spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, informing him of India’s unilateral actions. He expressed gratitude for Turkey’s continued support for Pakistan on all forums.
In his telephone conversation with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Ishaq Dar shed light on India’s false propaganda and thanked Azerbaijan for its continued support on Kashmir.
During a discussion with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Dar described India’s aggressive measures as a threat to regional stability and appreciated Iran’s efforts to manage the situation. Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan is prepared to give a decisive response to any form of aggression.
Pakistan has emphasized the need for close communication and consultation with its allies to ensure peace and stability in the region.
