ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that Pakistan’s counter-strikes in response to Indian aggression prompted international powers to step in and push for de-escalation.
Speaking to CNN, Dar shared that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to him directly, saying, “India is ready for a ceasefire. If you also stop, this can be resolved.”
Dar said he assured the US of Pakistan’s cooperation, replying, “If India does not resume hostilities, we won’t either.”
He noted that Pakistan held back for three days before launching its response to India’s missile attacks, underlining that the Kashmir dispute remains the root cause of instability in the region.
The deputy prime minister also issued a stern warning, saying any move by India to revoke the Indus Waters Treaty or tamper with Pakistan’s water flow would be treated as a declaration of war.
According to Ishaq Dar, India has now come to terms with the losses it suffered during recent aerial exchanges. He concluded by saying, “We want to move forward with dialogue, on both sides, with dignity and respect.”
In the same interview, Dar claimed to have downed five Indian jets, including three Rafales, a French intelligence source confirmed at least one Rafale was hit. India has yet to respond to the claims.
When inquired in a press conference on May 11, Sunday, the Indian Air Force acknowledged that “losses are an inherent part of combat” but declined to provide specifics regarding recent clashes with Pakistan.
Instead, it confirmed that all its pilots had safely returned, avoiding details. The statement came in response to queries about possible aircraft losses during the skirmishes.
The US-brokered ceasefire was reached on Saturday after days of fighting, with blasts reported in Kashmir. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar told CNN that long-term talks are “not done yet,” and added, “We still hope sense will prevail.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Operation Sindoor has drawn a new line under the fight against terrorism… If there is a terror attack on India, we will give a jaw-breaking response,” stressing that “India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail.”
Ishaq Dar stated there was no direct contact between officials, contrary to Indian claims. He confirmed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed India’s offer to cease hostilities. Dar said both sides must seek a dignified path to lasting peace.
