Islamabad:
Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar told the House of Parliament on Thursday that Pakistan had not asked for a cease-fire during the recent climbing with India.
Instead, Dar said, it’s [ceasefire] was initiated following an appeal from the American Secretary of State, which revealed that India was willing to stop hostilities.
Speaking during the session of the Senate chaired by President Yousuf Raza Gilani, he said that the cease-fire had taken effect after Pakistan confirmed his desire to stop military actions, with subsequent calls from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China strengthening diplomatic efforts.
Dar stressed that Pakistan had exerted a reservoir and communicated this to all friendly nations even before the triggering of hostilities.
He said, “We told our friends that we would not launch an attack, but we would certainly answer if they are provoked.”
DAR reiterated that Pakistan’s response was measured, decisive and in accordance with international standards.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that the recent conflict had started after the Pahalgam incident, which India immediately blamed Pakistan, despite no concrete evidence – much as the previous incident of Pulwama.
“We have offered a transparent and neutral investigation into Pahalgam’s attack, but India refused,” said Dar, adding that Pakistan assured that the story of India does not dominate international discourse this time.
He declared, on May 7, 70-80 Indian planes violated Pakistani airspace, releasing 24 useful charges that struck civil zones, including mosques. Pakistan retaliated, lowering six Indian jets, including Rafale, without losing a single plane.
Dar said India tried to catch tensions from the Sikh community by bombing their areas and wrongly accusing Pakistan.
He said Pakistan’s response included the destruction of 80 Indian drones, only one of which had injured Pakistani forces.
He also declared that Pakistan had evidence of India launching attacks on several Pakistani military bases and civil infrastructure, but Pakistan has refrained from targeting Indian civil zones in return.
“We have told the world that we will not hide our answer-and we have not done so,” he said, referring to the public release of videos showing the counterattacks of Pakistan.
DAR noted that the National Security Committee has made rapid decisions in response to Indian assault and that the Pakistani army has effectively executed these plans.
He also discussed the perception of the international community, declaring: “Pakistan is no longer diplomatically out of words; We have proven our strategic and diplomatic meaning ”.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that India had used Pahalgam incident as a pretext to sabotage the Industrial Water Treaty and reiterated that this agreement cannot be suspended or unilaterally dismissed, citing recent remarks by the World Bank Ajay Banga.
Dar praised the Pakistani army, in particular the Air Force, for its performance and said that the losses of India in the conflict amounted to at least $ 3 billion. Pakistan, on the other hand, has suffered civilian victims, mainly women, children and the elderly.
He also underlined the need for internal political stability and national unity in the face of persistent external threats.
The government noted DAR, announced a special compensation package for martyrs and has ensured the full support of the State to their families.
He concluded that even if Pakistan remains attached to peace, he demonstrated that any act of aggression will meet with a firm and proportional response.
The head of the opposition, Senator Shibli Faraz, echoes the feelings of Dar, welcoming the Pakistani Air Force and urging the country to take advantage of this military success for diplomatic and strategic gains.
He said Pakistan had established its defense capacities, in particular by establishing a new standard in the air war. He stressed that the whole nation is united to safeguard the geographic borders of the country and stressed the importance of relying on this success in all aspects.
