Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has issued a strong warning to India in response to escalating tensions following the Pahalgam incident, saying Pakistan will not initiate aggression but will respond with full force if provoked.
Addressing the Senate on Monday, Dar informed the House of the situation arising after the Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent allegations against Pakistan. “We will not take the first step,” Dar emphasized, “but if India dares to act, we will respond with the strength of a stone against a brick.”
He commended the Senate for demonstrating national unity by unanimously passing a resolution in support of the Federation and against Indian allegations. Dar also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts, revealing that Pakistan has engaged with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, the UK, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Hungary, briefing them on India’s history of aggression and its current intentions.
On India’s threat regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar expressed suspicion that the Pahalgam episode was orchestrated to justify the treaty’s abrogation. “I believe this drama was staged to revoke the Indus Waters Treaty,” he said, asserting that Pakistan had no involvement in the Pahalgam incident.
The Deputy Prime Minister also pointed to China and Turkey’s firm support for Pakistan. “The Chinese Foreign Minister assured us of full backing, and the Turkish Foreign Minister asked how they can help,” Dar noted. “I informed him that India is contemplating aggressive action, and this time, we will respond decisively.”
Dar criticized India’s failure to provide evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the attack and underlined Pakistan’s active diplomatic campaign. He disclosed that India had sent a letter regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that “circumstances have changed” and expressing their intent to suspend the agreement.
Drawing a parallel with the Pulwama incident in 2019, Dar noted that India had altered Kashmir’s constitutional status shortly after the attack, warning that any attempt to halt water flows from Pakistan’s share would be considered an act of war. “Our National Security Committee has made it clear – stopping water will be treated as an act of war,” he stressed.
Dar also revealed that the United States released a joint press statement, which included language acknowledging Pakistan’s position. “I raised two objections,” he said. “First, the condemnation of the United Resistance Forum, and second, the omission of ‘Jammu & Kashmir’ alongside Pahalgam.” Dar said both concerns were addressed, affirming Pakistan’s stance that it had no link to the incident.
As diplomatic, military, and political tensions continue to rise, Pakistan’s leadership remains firm in its warnings and outreach to global partners, insisting on peaceful intent but preparing for any eventuality.
