islamabad: pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister ishaq dar has warned india against unilateral and coercive policies, stating that new delhi cannot impose its will on pakistan. he made these remarks during the foundation day ceremony of the institute of strategic studies in islamabad.
dar criticised india’s alleged use of false flag operations, specifically referring to the pulwama incident, which he claimed was part of a fabricated narrative to justify aggression against pakistan. he urged india to reassess its strategic direction and end its coercive stance, while reaffirming pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and sovereignty.
tensions have heightened since april 22, when an attack in pahalgam killed 26 people. india blamed pakistan for the incident, which islamabad has categorically denied. a day later, india responded by suspending the indus waters treaty (iwt), cancelling visas for pakistanis, shutting down the wagah-attari crossing, and ordering the closure of pakistan’s high commission in new delhi.
dar stated that india cannot unilaterally revoke the iwt and accused it of attempting to weaponise water. he reiterated pakistan’s resolve to protect its territorial integrity and rights under international law.
on kashmir, dar emphasized that it remains an internationally recognised dispute and called for a peaceful resolution in line with un resolutions and the wishes of the kashmiri people.
he also welcomed the iran-israel ceasefire and reaffirmed support for iran’s nuclear rights and sovereignty. dar expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in gaza, strongly condemning the atrocities taking place.
separately, prime minister shehbaz sharif lauded the permanent court of arbitration’s ruling that upheld pakistan’s stance on the iwt. the court declared the treaty binding unless mutually terminated, barring unilateral suspension.
ppp chairperson bilawal bhutto warned india to respect the treaty or risk further escalation, reiterating pakistan’s unwavering commitment to protecting its water rights.
