LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar declared that Pakistan had effectively dismantled the false propaganda pushed by the Indian government and its media. He said India’s claim of being the so-called “net security provider” of the region had collapsed under the weight of truth.
Speaking at a press conference in London after completing his official visit to the United Kingdom, and broadcast live on national TV channels, Dar stressed that Pakistan had emerged successful in the recent conflict with India. The clash, according to him, was provoked by unprovoked Indian aggression.
He explained that Indian media and bureaucracy themselves had admitted that their version of events had failed. “Pakistan’s position was based on facts and truth. The world recognized that,” Ishaq Dar remarked. He added that Pakistan had not only secured air dominance but also responded firmly on the ground.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan always advocated respect, sovereignty, dignity, and territorial integrity of all regional states. He urged others to uphold the same principles. He described statements from Indian leaders as unfortunate and advised them to accept defeat and move forward. According to him, Pakistan never asked any mediator for a ceasefire. Instead, it was India that accepted it, and this was communicated by US Secretary of State Rubio to him during the May conflict.
During the press conference, Ishaq Dar, accompanied by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, reiterated that the government remained committed to economic stability. He said policies of the current administration had led to growing foreign reserves and a decline in inflation. “Pakistan will emerge stronger. National unity will help us secure our rightful place among the comity of nations and join the D-20,” he said.
On the issue of terrorism, the Foreign Minister firmly stated that Pakistan did not need lectures from anyone. He reminded the world that Pakistan was the greatest victim of terrorism. The country lost 90,000 lives and suffered financial damages of $192 billion while fighting the global war on terror. “Our sacrifices are unmatched and must be acknowledged,” Dar said, adding that terrorism was eliminated during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure in 2014.
He said that their foreign visits were aimed at presenting Pakistan’s clear stance on terrorism and other issues. Due to these diplomatic efforts, the United States declared BLA and Majeed Brigade as international terrorist groups. These outfits had carried out acts of terrorism, including a train hijacking in Balochistan. Ishaq Dar also advised the Pakistani community abroad to avoid petty politics on national issues.
He recalled that after Indian aggression, Pakistan’s parliament passed a unanimous resolution condemning it. The resolution sent a strong message to the world about Pakistan’s unity. He underlined that collective action was necessary to put the country on the path of real progress.
On a question about Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Dar said it was unfortunate that the airline had been earning billions when it was grounded. Years were wasted in its revival. He welcomed the decision of the European Union to lift the ban on PIA in November 2024. He also appreciated the UK’s move to follow suit. According to him, PIA was already in talks with British authorities to restart flights to Manchester by September, with the possibility of later expanding operations to London.
Concluding his remarks, Ishaq Dar described his bilateral and trilateral meetings in the UK as highly productive. He said they discussed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including the Kashmir issue, climate change, and other key subjects.
