Pakistan warns of strong response to any Indian misadventure

ISLAMABAD: In a high-stakes press conference on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, accompanied by Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, issued a strong rebuttal to India's allegations linking Pakistan to the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Dar categorically rejected the accusations, stating, “Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. No cause or objective can justify the killing of innocent people.

This is not only our national stance but also an Islamic principle — the Holy Quran says that killing one human being is like killing all of humanity.”

He added that Pakistan had expressed condolences over the loss of lives in Pahalgam and stood ready to cooperate in any credible, impartial investigation.

“No nation has suffered more from terrorism than Pakistan,” Dar said, citing over 80,000 lives lost and economic losses exceeding $150 billion — potentially reaching $500 billion when indirect impacts are included.

The foreign minister criticized India’s “familiar template” of blame, comparing it to the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama incident. “Once again, India has rushed to accuse Pakistan without evidence, aiming to deflect attention from its internal issues and justify its oppressive policies in occupied Kashmir,” he said.

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He also noted the timing of such incidents, often coinciding with major international events or visits, suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate global narratives.

Dar accused India of glorifying cross-border assassinations and sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and the wider region. “India’s actions and rhetoric are not only irresponsible but dangerous for regional peace,” he warned.

Highlighting Pakistan’s engagement with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Dar said Islamabad played a constructive role in shaping the UNSC’s press statement on the Pahalgam incident, which condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

He stressed that the root cause of instability in South Asia remains the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute. “India’s illegal occupation, defiance of UNSC resolutions, and the imposition of draconian laws in IIOJK are fueling alienation and unrest,” Dar said.