Pakistan reaffirms conventional defense, calls for Kashmir resolution
Pakistan affirms conventional response to Indian aggression, highlights Kashmir as core issue amid tense ceasefire
ISLAMABAD (MNTV) — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that the country’s response to recent Indian airstrikes was measured and conventional, dismissing speculation about the planned use of nuclear weapons during the escalation.
In an interview with CNN, Dar asserted that Islamabad’s retaliation was rooted in self-defense following India’s May 7 cross-border airstrikes.
He highlighted Pakistan’s capability to counter aggression without resorting to nuclear measures.
“We were confident that our conventional capacity is robust enough to defeat them both in the air and on the ground,” Dar said.
The confrontation, among the most intense since the 1971 war, left casualties and damaged infrastructure on both sides.
Pakistan’s response, Operation Bunyan um-Marsoos, coordinated land, air, sea, and cyber defenses, countering India’s Operation Sindoor.
Dar claimed Pakistani forces downed five Indian jets and intercepted 77 drones during the conflict.
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Dar described the disputed Kashmir region as the “root cause” of instability, stressing the need for a resolution based on self-determination.
He criticized India’s justification for its strikes, which were linked to the April 22 killing of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, as unfounded.
The fragile ceasefire, brokered by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, took effect on May 10.
While the truce has reduced immediate hostilities, violations and provocations have continued.
Dar cautioned that actions like India’s reported reduction of water flow from the Chenab River could escalate tensions further.
“Any attempt to block Pakistan’s rightful share of water would be seen as an act of war,” he warned.
Despite the volatility, Dar expressed hope for a peaceful future.
“We look forward to building a future that offers dignity and prosperity for both sides. But peace is only possible if provocations are avoided and the Kashmir issue is resolved,” he said.
The situation underscores the fragile balance in South Asia, with both nations navigating domestic pressures and international mediation to maintain stability.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
