Ishaq Dar Briefs Media on UAE Visit, Foreign Policy and India Relations

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a press briefing in Islamabad, where he discussed Pakistan’s foreign policy, relations with the UAE, and recent tensions with India.

Ishaq Dar said that the President of the United Arab Emirates visited Pakistan a day earlier, calling the visit positive and important. He said the UAE President met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and both leaders discussed bilateral trade, investment, energy cooperation, and development in different sectors.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Pakistan has received strong recognition at the global level and that the country’s foreign policy standing has improved internationally.

Talking about regional security, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s armed forces gave a strong response to India. He claimed that Pakistan shot down seven Indian aircraft during the conflict. He added that India has always made baseless allegations against Pakistan.

He said India must understand that the Indus Waters Treaty is a reality and cannot be ignored. According to Ishaq Dar, Pakistan had the right to respond after Indian attacks, and the strike on Nur Khan Air Base was a major mistake by India.

He added that Pakistan responded with a well-planned strategy and only used the level of force that was necessary. “We could have done more, but what we did was enough for defense,” he said.

Ishaq Dar said that after the “Battle for Truth,” Pakistan’s national dignity has increased. He emphasized that lasting peace in the region is not possible until the Kashmir issue is resolved.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said Pakistan is moving forward economically and will be made a strong economic power. He added that Pakistan’s defense is strong and that the country is also achieving success on the economic front.

He further said that India continues illegal actions in occupied Kashmir and clarified that Pakistan did not ask any country for a ceasefire during the conflict with India.