Pakistan-India establish NSA level contact  

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that Pakistan and India’s national security advisers (NSAs) have made contact after a sudden spike in tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.

Speaking to Turkish state broadcaster TRT World, Dar said India’s recent airstrikes on Pakistani territory were a serious provocation. “India has taken a war step against Pakistan,” he said, calling the action “unforgivable.”

When asked about backchannel talks, Dar acknowledged there had been contact between the top security officials of both countries. “Yes, there has been contact between the two,” he said, without sharing further details.

The Indian air raids on May 7 sparked strong condemnation from Islamabad, which vowed to respond firmly. Dar made it clear that Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself and will give a “befitting reply” if provoked again.

Dar also revealed that Türkiye was the first country to condemn India’s cross-border strikes, which killed 31 civilians in Pakistan early Wednesday. “The first call I received was from the Turkish foreign minister,” he shared, highlighting Ankara’s quick support.

Turkiye ready to play role as Pakistan’s true friend: Erdogan

He said the call came around 1 am, soon after the deadly attack. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also phoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, assuring full Turkish support and a commitment to help de-escalate the situation.

Erdoğan offered condolences and wished recovery to the injured, calling Pakistan a brotherly country. “President Erdoğan’s statement was very supportive—it reflects Türkiye is like a very close brother,” Dar said.

He added that the Turkish ambassador in Islamabad was one of the first diplomats to contact Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry and reach out to him personally. “So you can evaluate our brotherhood, our friendship, and closeness,” Dar remarked.

“We greatly value our friendship and brotherhood with Türkiye,” he concluded.