Pakistan Warns of Strong Response to Any Indian Aggression

ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a stern warning to India on Wednesday, stating that any act of provocation from New Delhi would be met with a “befitting and decisive response.” His remarks came during a joint press conference with Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in the wake of heightened tensions following the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The April 22 incident, which resulted in the deaths of several civilians, has led to a flurry of accusations from Indian officials, who have sought to implicate Pakistan without providing concrete evidence. Foreign Minister Dar dismissed these allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” accusing India of attempting to divert international attention from its own internal failures and ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Condemnation and Call for Justice

Dar began by unequivocally condemning the targeting of innocent civilians, emphasizing Pakistan’s longstanding and painful experience with terrorism.

“As a victim of terrorism, no one can feel the pain of those affected better than Pakistan,” Dar said, noting that the country has suffered more than 80,000 casualties and incurred over $150 billion in economic losses due to terrorism over the past two decades.

He revealed that Pakistan had reached out to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure a strong and impartial condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and urged international observers to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the incident, echoing the call made earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Criticism of India’s Tactics and Regional Implications

The foreign minister sharply criticized the Indian government’s reaction to the attack, accusing it of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

“India continues to fuel its murderous campaigns and state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan and beyond,” he asserted. “It is unfortunate that rather than seeking facts, India is quick to point fingers—without evidence—in a deliberate attempt to mislead the global community.”

Dar argued that India’s actions were not only destabilizing but also part of a broader strategy to deflect from its own internal political turmoil and the unresolved Kashmir dispute, which he identified as a central cause of instability in South Asia.

He also condemned the growing wave of Islamophobia in India, pointing to the anti-Muslim and anti-Kashmiri narratives being propagated in Indian political discourse, warning that such divisive rhetoric would only deepen regional tensions.

India’s Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

In a significant development, Dar also condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling the move illegal under international law. He emphasized that the treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, cannot be amended or revoked without the mutual consent of both parties.

“This is a blatant violation of a long-standing international agreement,” Dar said. “The Indus Waters Treaty has withstood wars and hostilities—it cannot be unilaterally dismantled because of political convenience.”

Urgent Appeal to the International Community

Dar concluded his remarks by posing a series of pointed questions to the global community, urging them to take a firm stance against India’s actions.

“Isn’t it time for the world to hold India accountable for its international carnage, including in Pakistan?” he asked.

“Isn’t it important to distinguish between legitimate sympathy for victims and the unwitting endorsement of India’s belligerent behavior?”

“Isn’t Indian propaganda intended to fabricate a case for military adventurism?”

“And don’t you think that India’s blatant disregard for international law and sensationalist approach to its responsibilities will lead to a highly unstable and unpredictable regional system?”

Pakistan’s Position: Peace, But Preparedness

Despite the inflammatory rhetoric from India, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability. However, he stressed that Pakistan’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

“We do not seek escalation,” he said. “But any aggressive move from India will be met with a decisive and proportionate response. Pakistan will not be intimidated.”

As regional tensions continue to escalate, international observers and diplomatic channels are now under pressure to step in and ensure de-escalation. Analysts have warned that without external mediation and accountability, the risk of conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors could dangerously increase.