Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that while the military-to-military ceasefire between Pakistan and India remains effective, New Delhi’s political leadership appears unwilling to accept the realities of the recent conflict. Speaking at an event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Dar remarked, “The ceasefire is working fine, but India’s political leadership is unable to digest it.”
The two nuclear-armed neighbors clashed in May this year in their most serious military confrontation in decades, involving missiles, drones, and artillery exchanges over four days. Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a large-scale retaliatory strike targeting Indian military positions. Dar recalled that the PAF downed six Indian jets, including four Rafales, and condemned India’s deliberate attacks on Sikh-populated areas. The ceasefire was eventually brokered after the US intervened, though India denied Washington’s role.
The foreign minister slammed India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a futile and provocative move. “India cannot stop or divert Pakistan’s water… New Delhi is facing growing isolation globally,” he said, citing India’s increasingly aggressive foreign policy as a key reason for its diplomatic alienation.
Despite regional tensions, Dar expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic trajectory, stating the country has achieved a “take-off” and now aims for G20 inclusion. Earlier, he met Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, conveying PM Shehbaz Sharif’s greetings and discussing enhanced bilateral cooperation. Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming October visit, signaling stronger Pak-Malaysia ties.
The developments underscore Pakistan’s firm stance on security, diplomacy, and economic growth amid regional challenges.