Pakistan: We will not be the first to attack, but we will respond with violence.

30.04.2025 20:06

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who held a press conference in the capital Islamabad, stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces are "on alert and ready" regarding the developments following the attack in Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Dar said, "We will not be the first to attack, but we will respond very strongly to India's escalatory moves."

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Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar spoke at a joint press conference with the Director General of the Pakistan Army's Public Relations Unit (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, regarding the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.

"WE WILL RESPOND WITH VIOLENCE"

Emphasizing that the Islamabad government condemns all forms of terrorist attacks, Dar stated, "Pakistan will not be the first party to resort to provocative actions. However, we will respond with violence to any provocative actions that may come from India."

"PAKISTAN IS A VICTIM OF TERRORISM SUPPORTED BY INDIA"

Dar stated that the Pahalgam attack poses a "serious threat to peace and stability in the region." He argued that Pakistan is a "victim of terrorism supported by India," and in this context, he expressed that it is "illogical" to claim that his country has any connection to the attack in Pahalgam. Dar noted that India continues to pursue "baseless accusations and claims" for its political purposes, which he described as "unfortunate." Reiterating his rejection of India's accusations, Dar emphasized that they demand an independent and transparent investigation into the attack.

"PAKISTAN IS DETERMINED TO DEFEND ITS TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY"

Dar expressed that India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is "illegal," stating that the document cannot be altered or terminated without an agreement between the parties. Highlighting the importance of the treaty for Pakistan, Dar stated that the National Security Committee has clearly indicated that any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan will be considered an "act of war." He argued that the suspension of the treaty is equivalent to an attack on the Pakistani people and economy, stating, "In the event of any act of aggression, Pakistan is determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter."

TERROR ATTACK IN PAHALGAM

In the Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, armed individuals opened fire on tourists on April 22, resulting in the deaths of 26 people and many injuries. India, accusing that the attackers "came from Pakistan," suspended the "Indus Waters Treaty," requested that Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi leave the country within a week, and announced the suspension of visa services for Pakistani citizens, stating that all previously issued visas were canceled.

Pakistan, rejecting the accusations, limited the number of Indian diplomatic personnel in Islamabad, declared that any interventions in the rivers outside the "Indus Waters Treaty" would be considered a "cause for war," suspended all trade with India, and closed its airspace.