Pakistan Rules Out Nuclear Option in Conflict with India, Calls Military Response Defensive
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, stated that the country never considered deploying nuclear weapons during its recent military standoff with India, emphasizing that Pakistan’s response was “measured” and conducted purely in self-defence.
In his first public remarks since the May 11 ceasefire, Dar told CNN that the situation escalated sharply after India launched cross-border airstrikes on May 7. However, he maintained that Pakistan had no intention of resorting to a nuclear retaliation.
“Our conventional military strength is sufficient—we were confident in our air and ground capabilities,” Dar asserted.
The hostilities, the most serious between the two nuclear-armed nations since the 1971 war, resulted in dozens of casualties and extensive damage in disputed border areas.
Kashmir Remains at the Heart of the Dispute
Dar accused India of attempting to assert dominance in Kashmir through what he termed an “unprovoked act of aggression.” He said Pakistan had no alternative but to respond militarily. “Kashmir is the core issue fueling regional instability,” he said, calling for the right to self-determination for the region’s residents.
India, meanwhile, blames Pakistan for supporting armed groups in Indian-administered Kashmir. The latest Indian airstrikes followed the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam in April, an attack New Delhi attributes to militants allegedly backed by Islamabad—a claim Pakistan strongly denies.
Dar condemned the attack and reiterated Pakistan’s stance against terrorism in all forms.
Water Dispute Adds to Tensions
The foreign minister also raised alarm over India’s reported reduction in water flow from the Chenab River—a key lifeline for Pakistan—warning that such action, if not reversed, could be seen as an “act of war.”
Indian media had reported reduced discharge from the Baglihar Dam, which could impact downstream flow into Pakistan. Dar said the issue would be addressed in upcoming discussions, cautioning that “the ceasefire will only hold if provocations are avoided.”
Ceasefire Brokered by U.S. Amid Fragile Calm
The ceasefire, announced on May 10 after days of intense fighting, was facilitated by U.S. diplomatic efforts, including interventions by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance.
The agreement came after major military operations on both sides. India launched “Operation Sindoor,” involving airstrikes and drone incursions, while Pakistan responded with “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,” claiming to have downed five Indian Rafale jets and intercepted dozens of drones.
Despite the ceasefire, brief exchanges of gunfire and explosions were reported across the Line of Control (LoC), raising doubts about the truce’s durability.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized that it had not requested the ceasefire, and Director General ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that India approached Pakistan for the truce following decisive retaliation. He described nuclear war as “inconceivable” and dismissed online rumors about Indian pilots being captured.
Hope for Peace Amid Rising Stakes
While tensions remain, Dar expressed optimism about future dialogue. “We hope for a future based on mutual respect and dignity,” he said. “We still believe that wisdom can prevail.”
In Pakistan, cities observed Youm-e-Tashakkur (Day of Thanks) on Sunday, celebrating what officials described as a successful defense of sovereignty.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE