Pakistan Seeks Regional Peace, Did Not Initiate Tensions with India: Ishaq Dar
Islamabad — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, asserting that Islamabad had not initiated hostilities with India and that multiple international stakeholders were working to de-escalate tensions between the two nations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s desire for stability and economic development through peaceful coexistence. “We want peace in the region for the prosperity of our people and economy,” he stated.
He dismissed Indian allegations that Pakistan had attacked 15 military installations, saying these claims had been investigated and disproven. “We conveyed to friendly nations that no such attacks were launched by Pakistan. A European country even confirmed this, stating, ‘You are right, Pakistan did not attack,’” he said.
Referring to India’s claims following the Pahalgam and Pulwama incidents, Dar noted that India had yet to present credible evidence. He accused New Delhi of using the Pulwama incident as a pretext for escalation and propaganda, including the unfounded claim of shooting down a Pakistani F-16 jet—an assertion later contradicted by official sources.
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Dar revealed that India had sent 70 to 80 fighter jets toward Pakistan, but Islamabad only responded after an actual attack was carried out. “Six Indian jets took part in the operation, and those six jets were brought down,” he claimed.
He noted that ceasefire discussions were ongoing and had evolved into broader talks for a long-term strategic framework. Dar said he received a call at 8:15 am on May 10 from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who informed him that India had agreed to a ceasefire.
“Pakistan has not started this conflict,” Dar reiterated. “Our Islamic principles do not allow initiating war.”
The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic engagement during the crisis. He said Pakistan had taken all 14 other members of the United Nations Security Council into confidence and reminded them of the country’s immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He added that Pakistan possesses credible evidence linking regional terrorist networks to India.
Dar further mentioned that he remained in constant contact with his Chinese counterpart throughout the crisis. “If we were at fault, we wouldn’t have called for transparent investigations into Pulwama,” he added.
He also noted recent diplomatic developments, including a trilateral meeting between the ambassadors of China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. China is also planning a bilateral visit to Islamabad, alongside a scheduled trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in the coming weeks.
