Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday (May 4, 2025) stated that the prospect of revival of an armed conflict between Pakistan and India is distant however warned of a befitting response in case of any such improvement.
Mr. Dar’s remark got here whereas responding to a query throughout his press convention giving particulars of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s latest go to to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan and to thank the respective management for help over the last month’s conflict with India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault that killed 26 individuals.
When requested a couple of potential new spherical of combating, Mr. Dar stated that he couldn’t predict the long run, however the chances of any such risk are slim.
“The ceasefire is holding and all steps regarding withdrawal of troops have been implemented by the two sides in letter and spirit. So there is no chance (of new war) in my opinion,” he stated. “However, we will give a befitting reply if India resorts to armed conflict.”
He stated Pakistan was prepared for dialogue with India, however not determined for it, including that Pakistan seeks a composite dialogue that features terrorism in addition to different points, together with Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
He additionally claimed the IWT can’t be suspended. Soon after the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault, India introduced abeyance of the IWT amongst different punitive measures.
The IWT was signed in 1960 by the 2 nations to handle the water dispute between them and to share the waters of the six principal rivers of the Indus basin.
The Minister reiterated the supply for a impartial probe into the Pahalgam incident, which led to the latest escalation between Pakistan and India.
Mr. Dar, who can also be the Deputy Prime Minister, claimed that whereas Pakistan’s kinetic motion has been appreciated, its diplomatic efforts have additionally earned worldwide recognition.
The Minister additionally appreciated the function performed by the U.S., U.Okay., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iran and different nations throughout the conflict and bringing peace.
Mr. Dar introduced that Prime Minister Sharif was set to go to Saudi Arabia throughout the subsequent 24 hours to thank its management for its constructive function throughout hostilities with India.
Speaking about Mr. Sharif’s latest four-nation tour, Mr. Dar stated the Prime Minister undertook a go to to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan to specific Pakistan’s gratitude for the solidarity expressed by these nations throughout the conflict with India.
He additionally praised the diplomatic outreach led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, which, he stated, “has garnered international acclaim for its clarity.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror assault, with India finishing up precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir within the early hours of May 7.
Pakistan tried to assault Indian navy bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian aspect strongly responded to the Pakistani makes an attempt by inflicting heavy injury to a quantity of key Pakistani navy installations, together with air bases, air defence techniques, command and management centres and radar websites.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 introduced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to cease all firings and navy actions on land, air and sea, with quick impact.
Starting May 22, India tasked seven multi-party delegations to go to 33 international capitals to succeed in out to the worldwide group on Pakistan’s designs and India’s response to terror after the Pahalgam terror assault.
Pakistan too introduced final month to ship a staff of consultants to overseas capitals to tell the world in regards to the four-day conflict with India and likewise spotlight its level of view concerning the conflict.
Published – June 04, 2025 05:43 pm IST
