Pakistan’s Response was Measured, Decisive, & in Line with International Norms: Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, on Thursday firmly denied that Pakistan had requested a ceasefire during the recent escalation with India, stating that it was New Delhi that sought a de-escalation through U.S. diplomatic channels. Addressing the Senate session chaired by Yousuf Raza Gilani, Dar clarified that the United States facilitated communication, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveying India’s request, which Pakistan accepted after evaluating the situation through the National Security Committee.

He emphasized that Pakistan had exercised restraint from the beginning and had already conveyed to friendly countries that it would not initiate any aggression but would respond effectively if provoked. Dar highlighted that the crisis was triggered by the Pahalgam incident, for which India hastily blamed Pakistan without any evidence — a repeat of its approach during the Pulwama attack. Pakistan, he said, had offered to conduct an impartial investigation, which was rejected by India.

Detailing the military developments, Dar informed the Senate that Indian fighter jets had violated Pakistan’s airspace and dropped 24 payloads, hitting civilian areas including mosques. In retaliation, Pakistan shot down six Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets, and destroyed 80 Indian drones. He emphasized that, unlike India, Pakistan did not target civilian populations, demonstrating its commitment to international law and ethical conduct.

The foreign minister further warned that India was using the conflict to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty and stir internal unrest by targeting Sikh-populated areas and blaming Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan had incurred civilian casualties, including women and children, while India suffered economic losses exceeding $3 billion. Dar added that the crisis had once again drawn global attention to the Kashmir dispute, particularly through statements by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Concluding the session, senators from both sides of the aisle praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and the swift decision-making by the country’s leadership. Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz called for translating military success into diplomatic gains, while Senator Sherry Rehman lauded the emergence of a new conventional deterrence and welcomed renewed international focus on Kashmir. The Senate session closed with a strong message of unity, resilience, and readiness to confront future challenges.