Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday said India should reconsider its approach towards Pakistan and the region, adding that New Delhi cannot impose its will on Islamabad through unilateral decisions or aggressive posturing.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the Foundation Day of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Mr Dar said India’s repeated attempts to create tensions in the region — including false flag operations and provocations along the border — were being met with a resolute and proportionate response from Pakistan.
“India imposed aggression on Pakistan under the guise of a false flag operation, and we responded swiftly and effectively,” said Mr Dar, referring to recent tensions sparked by the Pahalgam incident, which he termed a “false drama.”
He cautioned India against using water as a weapon, stressing that the Indus Waters Treaty could not be suspended unilaterally. “Pakistan is committed to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. India should review its policies once and for all,” he asserted.
The deputy premier reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute, describing it as an internationally recognised issue. “A peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute is essential for lasting peace in the region,” he said.
“India is openly violating international laws, while Pakistan remains committed to the principle of peaceful coexistence.”
Dar slams Israel's barbaric actions
Turning to the Middle East, Mr Dar expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, denouncing what he called Israel’s “barbaric” actions. “There is no precedent in history for such brutality. The world must not remain silent,” he said.
He added that there could be no peace in the region without justice for Palestinians. “The international community must act to halt Israeli atrocities,” he urged.
On the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, the foreign minister welcomed the ceasefire and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to self-defence. “Pakistan has always supported Iran’s legal position and continues to advocate for dialogue on the Iranian nuclear issue,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s close ties with China, calling the bilateral relationship a “time-tested friendship” and stating that the strategic partnership between the two nations was growing stronger in an evolving global order.
Mr Dar noted that the world was transitioning from a unipolar to a multipolar system, and Pakistan was playing a “balanced and independent role” in the shifting geopolitical landscape.
