In a firm and coordinated response to India’s recent accusations, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday challenged New Delhi to provide concrete evidence linking Pakistan to the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Speaking at a press conference following a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, Dar dismissed India’s blame game and said Pakistan was prepared to defend its national interests on all fronts.
“If India has any credible evidence, they should share it with the world,” Dar stated, flanked by top government officials including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Attorney General Mansoor Awan.
The government’s reaction came shortly after India announced the suspension of the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a move Pakistan views as both provocative and legally unfounded. AGP Awan clarified that the treaty cannot be terminated unilaterally. “Only a mutual agreement can end the IWT. Any unilateral action has no legal standing,” he emphasized, adding that Pakistan is ready to challenge India’s stance at any international forum.
Dar also revealed that some foreign nationals had been spotted in Srinagar under Indian intelligence supervision, allegedly attempting to smuggle explosives. He warned that any “adventure” by India would be met with a stronger response than in the past.
Defence Minister Asif accused India of state-sponsored terrorism, stating that New Delhi was backing militant outfits like the TTP and BLA. He warned that if even a single Pakistani citizen were harmed, “India will pay a heavy price.”
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to peace but made it clear that it would respond forcefully to any aggression. “This is not 2016 — this time, the response will be tit-for-tat and beyond,” said FM Dar.
