Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, declared on Saturday that “victory will be ours” following the launch of a large-scale military operation Operation “Bunyan ul Marsoos” in response to what Pakistan describes as escalating Indian aggression. According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, the Pakistan Army initiated a counteroffensive targeting multiple Indian military positions.
Pakistan’s Action ‘Fully Justified’: Dar
Speaking to the media, Dar emphasised that the move was purely defensive, stating that Pakistan’s action was fully justified and a necessary response to unprovoked hostilities rather than a deliberate choice.
He claimed that Pakistani forces had successfully downed 80 Indian drones and reported that 35 Pakistani civilians had been killed in recent Indian strikes. He also alleged that India had targeted three Pakistani air bases, including one near the capital, Islamabad, but assured the public that Pakistan’s air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming threats.
‘Do Not Wish To Cause Destruction’: Pak DPM
In an interview with Geo News, Dar urged India to halt its military operations, saying that India should stop if there was an iota of sanity, and if they stop, so will we. He added that Pakistan does not wish to cause destruction or waste financial resources. Furthermore, Dar noted that Pakistan seeks peace but not at the cost of accepting domination.
As tensions escalate, the United States has urged both nations to step back from the brink. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The U.S. has offered to assist in facilitating constructive dialogue between the two countries to prevent further escalation.
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