Pakistan never considered nuclear option, Dar stated during his first interview since the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan never contemplated using nuclear weapons in response to India’s recent aggression, labeling Islamabad’s military actions as “measured” and solely for self-defense.
In his first interview following the ceasefire that began on Saturday, Dar told CNN that tensions escalated dangerously after India’s airstrikes across the border on May 7, but he dismissed any notion that Pakistan considered a nuclear retaliation.
He emphasized that since the 1971 war, Pakistan has been confident in managing its conventional military posture despite its heavily armed neighbor.
The cross-border clashes led to numerous casualties and substantial damage to infrastructure along the disputed boundary areas.
Dar described India’s offensive as an unrealistic attempt to assert dominance over Kashmir.
He stated that Pakistan had no option but to respond to what it viewed as a baseless act of aggression.
The foreign minister also mentioned that there was no direct communication between Indian and Pakistani officials during the crisis, with Washington acting as a mediator.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said earlier that India had merely “paused” its military action and warned of further retaliation if provoked.
Dar dismissed any claims that Pakistan sought de-escalation from a position of weakness.
He said India had seen the consequences in the air and understood the severity of Pakistan’s response.
Dar reiterated that the Kashmir issue is the underlying cause of continued instability in the region.
He insisted that Kashmir’s future should be determined through the right to self-determination.
He also expressed concern over the water dispute tied to Kashmir’s rivers and warned that India’s reported decision to block the flow of the Chenab River could be interpreted as an “act of war” if not reversed.
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