Talks with India only on equal footing, says Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday said that Pakistan has always remained open to talks with India only on the basis of equality, but New Delhi has consistently displayed an offensive approach.

Speaking on HUM News’s talk show Faisla Aap Ka, Dar said that all outstanding issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could be discussed following the recent ceasefire agreement. “Pakistan has always been ready for talks grounded in parity, but India has been maintaining an arrogant posture,” he remarked.

He said India’s offensive intent was clear from the beginning as it unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam incident, and then attacked Pakistan.

“We knew India would react after the Pahalgam incident, and we were ready. On May 6, India launched multiple attacks on Pakistan at six locations, carrying out 24 strikes.”

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He reiterated that Pakistan had conveyed to the international community it would not initiate conflict but would respond forcefully if attacked. “India made a grave mistake on May 9 — and was given a befitting reply,” said the deputy PM.

Dar dismissed the Indian military’s superiority claims, saying: “Having Rafale jets means nothing if the pilot lacks courage.” He accused New Delhi of attempting to assert dominance in the region but said India was forced to retreat.

“At this moment, Pakistan holds strategic dominance in the region,” Dar stated confidently, adding, “Our brave soldiers know how to uphold the nation’s dignity.”

Turning to Indian allegation on Pakistan about terrorism, he said Pakistan has suffered the most from the scourge and paid a far higher price.

“We lost lives, resources, and accumulated debt, but never abandoned the fight against terror,” he said, citing military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb, Radul Fasaad and Rah-e-Nijat.

He said Pakistan remains committed to uprooting terrorism through its ongoing campaign, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, despite continued external support to militant groups. “The operation is causing significant damage to terrorist networks,” he said.