Pakistan Will Not Take the First Step but Will Respond Firmly, Says Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that while Pakistan will not take the first step in any conflict, the country is fully prepared to respond firmly if provoked.

Speaking at a event, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace but made it clear that the nation will not tolerate any aggression and will defend itself with full determination.

Pakistan’s Stance on Peace and Security

Ishaq Dar began his address by acknowledging the challenging global situation, particularly highlighting the impact of climate change. He referred to the devastating floods of 2022 as a stark reminder of the urgent need to tackle environmental issues, which he described as the “biggest challenge” facing the world today. Dar reiterated that Pakistan has always been a proponent of peace in the region and continues to raise its voice against any form of aggression.

He also underscored the ongoing human rights violations in occupied Kashmir and pointed out that India had carried out a false-flag operation in Pahalgam. Dar described the operation as a distraction from the ongoing freedom movements in India and warned that India’s actions were endangering millions of lives in the region.

India’s Unilateral Allegations and Aggression

Dar addressed the recent allegations made by India against Pakistan, calling them baseless and part of a broader agenda to escalate tensions in the region. He criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, deeming it a serious violation of international law, and warned that such actions could push the region towards war.

“The decisions made by the National Security Committee following Indian aggression were immediately implemented,” Dar stated, reaffirming Pakistan’s preparedness to defend its interests. He also pointed out the quick response from India, which filed an FIR just 10 minutes after the Pahalgam attack, accusing Pakistan without conducting a proper investigation.

Pakistan’s Preparedness to Respond Firmly

In his remarks, Dar made it clear that Pakistan would not be the initiator of any conflict but would not hesitate to respond decisively if provoked. “We will not take the first step in any conflict,” Dar declared. “But we are alert and prepared to give a fitting response to any Indian aggression.” He further emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully capable of defending the country against any type of aggression.

“Our forces thwarted India’s adventurous plans when they attempted to escalate the situation on the night of April 29-30,” Dar explained, underscoring Pakistan’s strategic readiness. “If aggression is imposed, we will respond with full determination.”

Defending Pakistan’s Sovereignty and Resources

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s firm stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, stressing that Pakistan will not allow India to unilaterally control or suspend the distribution of shared water resources. “We will not leave a single drop of our share of water,” he stressed, signaling that Pakistan is committed to protecting its vital resources.

Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain paramount, and Dar assured that Pakistan will not use its land for aggression against any other country. He reassured the international community that Pakistan is committed to peace but made it clear that any attempts to undermine the country’s security would be met with a strong and unified response.

The Kashmir Issue and the Right to Self-Determination

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Kashmir, emphasizing that the right to self-determination belongs to the Kashmiri people. He also called for the resolution of the Kashmir issue according to UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan’s Economic Resilience Amid Global Challenges

In addition to addressing security concerns, Ishaq Dar also touched upon the economic challenges facing Pakistan, highlighting a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country’s economy. Despite these challenges, Dar expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic future. “By 2047, Pakistan will be among the top 20 economies in the world,” he predicted. He also noted that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves would soon reach 25 billion dollars, signaling a positive outlook for the nation’s financial stability.

Read More: Pakistan Army Counterattacks Indian Army Firing on LoC with Forceful Response