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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a joint press conference with DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, issued a clear warning to India, stating that while Pakistan will not initiate any conflict, it reserves the right to respond firmly to any provocation or misadventure from across the border.

Dar condemned the recent Pahalgam incident, which resulted in civilian casualties, and criticized India’s "irresponsible attitude" in its aftermath. He emphasized that the killing of innocent people is unacceptable under any circumstances, reiterating Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism in all forms.

Highlighting India’s attempts to link the Kashmir freedom movement with terrorism, Dar said such tactics are a diversion from New Delhi’s own internal failures. He strongly denounced ongoing human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir, including the imposition of draconian laws to suppress local voices.

Dar also warned of severe consequences if India attempts to obstruct Pakistan’s water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, stating:

“Water is the lifeline of Pakistan. Any attempt to block it will be considered an act of war.”

He stressed that Pakistan has made the greatest sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism and called on the international community to take note of India’s provocative behavior, which threatens regional peace and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of cooperation in an impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident was also reiterated, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to transparency and peaceful resolution.