Further escalation could destabilise region, Britain foreign sec tells Dar

WEB DESK: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday held a telephonic conversation with British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy briefing him on India’s unprovoked and illegal bombing along the Line of Control (LoC), which resulted in civilian casualties, including women, children, and elderly citizens. The British foreign secretary expressed condolences over the loss of Pakistani lives and conveyed concern over the escalating situation. Urging both sides to exercise restraint, Lammy stressed the need to avoid further provocations that could destabilise the region.

Dar accused India of blatant violations of international law and the United Nations Charter, asserting that Pakistan had exercised restraint thus far in the interest of regional peace. However, he reiterated Islamabad’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Even India’s traditional allies are not standing firmly with it: Khawaja Asif

During the National Assembly session today, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that Pakistan is using diplomatic channels with almost every country in the world, including key allies like China, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, to counter India’s aggressive posturing. Speaking on the country’s foreign relations, Asif stated that except for one or two nations, most countries either support Pakistan or remain neutral in the ongoing tensions.

Five killed in LoC shelling, Pakistan responds

He pointed out that Pakistan’s diplomatic missions are actively working to expose India’s hostile intentions on the global stage. “Even India’s traditional allies are not standing firmly with it:,” Asif claimed, highlighting what he described as a growing isolation of New Delhi.

The defence minister also drew parallels between India and Israel, stating that their alliance was “natural” as both were positioned against Muslim nations. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that India’s actions, including sending spy drones into Pakistani airspace, were deliberate provocations.

In a significant military claim, Asif said Pakistan had shot down five Indian aircraft, marking a historic milestone in the country’s war history. He credited the armed forces for their bravery and described religious seminaries as part of Pakistan’s “second line of defence.”

The minister’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, with Pakistan ramping up diplomatic efforts to rally international support. He agreed with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s call for intensifying diplomatic outreach, signaling a unified political approach in responding to external threats.