Pakistani Foreign Minister says possibilities of revival of battle with India ‘distant’

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the possibility of the revival of an armed battle between Pakistan and India is distant. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday (May 4, 2025) stated that the possibility of revival of an armed battle between Pakistan and India is distant however warned of a befitting response in case of any such growth.

Mr. Dar’s remark got here whereas responding to a query throughout his press convention giving particulars of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s latest go to to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan and to thank the respective management for assist over the past month’s battle with India following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 folks.

When requested a couple of doable new spherical of preventing, Mr. Dar stated that he couldn’t predict the long run, however the possibilities of any such chance are slim.

“The ceasefire is holding and all steps regarding withdrawal of troops have been implemented by the two sides in letter and spirit. So there is no chance (of new war) in my opinion,” he stated. “However, we will give a befitting reply if India resorts to armed conflict.”

He stated Pakistan was prepared for dialogue with India, however not determined for it, including that Pakistan seeks a composite dialogue that features terrorism in addition to different points, together with Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

He additionally claimed the IWT can’t be suspended. Soon after the April 22 Pahalgam terror assault, India introduced abeyance of the IWT amongst different punitive measures.

The IWT was signed in 1960 by the 2 nations to deal with the water dispute between them and to share the waters of the six fundamental rivers of the Indus basin.

The Minister reiterated the supply for a impartial probe into the Pahalgam incident, which led to the latest escalation between Pakistan and India.

Mr. Dar, who can be the Deputy Prime Minister, claimed that whereas Pakistan’s kinetic motion has been appreciated, its diplomatic efforts have additionally earned worldwide recognition.

The Minister additionally appreciated the position performed by the U.S., U.Ok., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iran and different nations throughout the battle and bringing peace.

Mr. Dar introduced that Prime Minister Sharif was set to go to Saudi Arabia throughout the subsequent 24 hours to thank its management for its constructive position throughout hostilities with India.

Speaking about Mr. Sharif’s latest four-nation tour, Mr. Dar stated the Prime Minister undertook a go to to Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan to specific Pakistan’s gratitude for the solidarity expressed by these nations throughout the battle with India.

He additionally praised the diplomatic outreach led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, which, he stated, “has garnered international acclaim for its clarity.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror assault, with India finishing up precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir within the early hours of May 7.

Pakistan tried to assault Indian army bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian aspect strongly responded to the Pakistani makes an attempt by inflicting heavy harm to plenty of key Pakistani army installations, together with air bases, air defence techniques, command and management centres and radar websites.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 introduced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to cease all firings and army actions on land, air and sea, with rapid impact.

Starting May 22, India tasked seven multi-party delegations to go to 33 international capitals to achieve out to the worldwide neighborhood on Pakistan’s designs and India’s response to terror after the Pahalgam terror assault.

Pakistan too introduced final month to ship a staff of specialists to international capitals to tell the world concerning the four-day battle with India and likewise spotlight its viewpoint relating to the battle.