Pakistan won’t initiate conflict but will defend itself decisively: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday said peace and prosperity must remain the collective goal of all nations as the world faces challenging times, while strongly condemning India’s recent actions in occupied Kashmir and its “false flag” operation in Pahalgam. He maintained that Pakistan has always stood by the oppressed nations and would continue to do so, but this should not translate as a weakness in any way.

Addressing key concerns, Dar stated that unresolved disputes like Kashmir and Palestine pose serious threats to global peace. He noted that the UN has already passed clear resolutions on occupied territories, but violations continue unabated including Kashmir.

The deputy PM accused India of conducting the Pahalgam as a “false flag operation” to divert attention from its internal unrest and human rights violations in several states. “India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty violates international law and we will not cede even a single drop of our rightful share.”

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He dismissed India’s “unfounded accusations” against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam incident, stating investigations were concluded within 10 minutes to blame Islamabad. “Pakistan had no involvement in this tragic event.”

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace but warned: “If aggression is imposed, we will respond with full national resolve.” He recalled how Pakistani forces repelled Indian air incursions in 2019, forcing their retreat.

“While global leaders have urged restraint, let me be clear: Pakistan won’t initiate conflict but will defend itself decisively,” Dar emphasised, adding that countering all forms of terrorism remains central to Pakistan’s policy.

The National Security Committee meeting reportedly decided to give India a robust response to its provocations while ensuring implementation of security measures. Dar also said that the nation condemned the Pahalgam incident