Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that as a nuclear power and a member of the Muslim Ummah, the country will fulfill its responsibilities to protect regional peace and sovereignty.
He made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera, strongly condemning Israel’s strikes on Qatar after Lebanon and Syria.
Dar stressed that there is no justification for targeting a sovereign country, noting Pakistan’s role as a brotherly ally of Qatar. He urged Muslim states to move beyond verbal condemnations and adopt a clear roadmap against Israeli aggression.
“The eyes of the whole world are on this meeting. The Muslim Ummah is expecting this from us,” he said, adding that a ceasefire in Gaza is now urgent as Palestinians face severe humanitarian challenges.
Call for unity among Arab, Muslim states
The deputy PM revealed that Arab countries have already discussed the possibility of forming a joint security force. He emphasized that its aim should be peace and stability, not aggression.
Dar warned that Israel’s actions show it is not serious about peace. He underlined Pakistan’s long-standing policy of advocating dialogue but stressed that seriousness and firm intent are essential for any negotiations to succeed.
Role of UNSC
Ishaq Dar criticised the United Nations Security Council for failing to act decisively on long-standing disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine.
He called for reforms to enable the body to fulfill its responsibilities and urged the international community to take practical measures to stop Israel’s provocations.
He noted that both Israel and India openly disregard UNSC resolutions, a position that continues to fuel instability in the region.
Dar underscored that Pakistan, as a nuclear power with strong armed forces and modern weapons, will not allow any violation of its sovereignty and integrity. He warned that the “axis of future wars will be water,” stressing that India cannot unilaterally suspend or terminate the Indus Waters Treaty.
“Any attempt to stop water will be considered a declaration of war,” he warned.
Relations with India
On relations with New Delhi, Dar said Pakistan is ready for dialogue on all issues, including Kashmir, reiterating the country’s identity as peace-loving.
However, he expressed regret at India’s baseless allegations against Pakistan despite its sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
He also acknowledged America’s positive role in past Indo-Pak conflicts, while emphasizing that Pakistan has always fought on the frontlines against terrorism.
