Pakistan Won’t Bow To Indian Water Aggression: Ishaq Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has affirmed that Pakistan will never allow its citizens to be held hostage due to Indian water aggression. He emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the country’s national interests.
Speaking at the 52nd anniversary celebration of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), he stated that the world is currently facing severe global crises, and Pakistan is playing its part as a responsible member of the international community.
Dar said that through strategic engagement, Pakistan is working to ensure a secure future, while also maintaining an effective presence in international tribunals and institutions.
Commenting on regional tensions, he said India acted irresponsibly following the Pahalgam incident in May 2025, to which Pakistan gave a strong and clear response to uphold its national dignity.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty, he said the country remains fully dedicated to fulfilling its obligations. However, India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty is unacceptable. “Pakistan will not allow its 220 million citizens to be held hostage by water being used as a weapon,” he asserted.
He stressed the importance of confidence-building measures in the region following the ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a dignified and lasting peace. On Kashmir, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance in support of a resolution aligned with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and United Nations resolutions.
The Deputy Prime Minister also revealed the formation of a trilateral group comprising Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan to enhance regional cooperation and stability.
Condemning Israel’s aggression against Iran, Dar expressed support for Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter and welcomed the ceasefire between both countries.
Regarding Gaza, he strongly denounced Israeli actions, calling them “illegal genocide” and emphasized that peace in the Middle East is impossible without justice for the Palestinian people.
On Afghanistan, he said that a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan is vital for Pakistan. He noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been extended to Afghanistan, and bilateral relations are being further strengthened.
He highlighted Pakistan’s proactive and result-oriented foreign policy, noting enhanced relations with Russia, as well as growing ties with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Türkiye. He emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy in securing Pakistan’s interests.
Dar concluded by stating that Pakistan will continue to play an active role in UN reforms, global peace, environmental protection, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the fight against Islamophobia.
“Pakistan is on a mission to be the voice of the voiceless and the strength of the weak—and we will carry this mission forward,” he affirmed.
