Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday warned that India was dragging the region toward war, but reaffirmed that Pakistan would not take the first step in any confrontation. He said Pakistan remained fully alert and prepared, and would respond decisively if any aggression was imposed.
Addressing the “Regional Dialogue 2025” conference in Islamabad, Dar rejected Indian accusations regarding the Pahalgam incident, calling them baseless and fabricated. “The FIR was reportedly lodged within 10 minutes of the attack at a police station that is at least 45 minutes away from the site. India must stop deceiving the world — Pakistan had absolutely no role in this unfortunate incident,” he asserted.
Dar said the Pahalgam “drama” was orchestrated to divert attention from ongoing uprisings and serious human rights violations in several Indian states. He accused India of endangering the lives of millions by stoking tensions and attempting to destabilize the region.
“Pakistan has always stood against aggression and has consistently advocated for peace in the region,” he said. “India is recklessly jeopardizing peace and security across South Asia.”
Referring to India’s unilateral moves regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, the Deputy Prime Minister said India had no authority to suspend or revoke the agreement unilaterally. “Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty would be a grave violation of international law. We will not let a single drop of our rightful share be taken,” he vowed.
Dar added that Pakistan acted promptly on decisions made by the National Security Committee (NSC) following Indian provocations. “The NSC clearly stated that any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s water would be deemed an act of war.”
He said global leaders had urged Pakistan to exercise restraint in the wake of recent developments. “Condemning all forms of terrorism remains a cornerstone of our policy. We have informed the world that while Pakistan will never initiate hostilities, any aggression forced upon us will be met with full national resolve and strength.”
Dar revealed that during the night of April 29 and 30, Indian fighter jets attempted a “misadventure,” but were swiftly repelled. “The Pakistan Armed Forces thwarted India’s aerial designs within moments and forced their aircraft to retreat.”
He reiterated that Pakistani soil would never be used for terrorism and called upon the international community to take notice of the evolving regional situation. “The Kashmir dispute must not be brushed aside under any circumstances,” Dar emphasized.
