Pakistan Signals De-Escalation If India Ceases Attacks: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed a conditional willingness for de-escalation, stating that Pakistan would consider halting its military responses if India ceases its attacks. Speaking to Pakistan’s Geo News on Saturday, Dar conveyed a clear message, stressing that Pakistan’s response would depend on India’s actions on the ground. This statement follows escalating tensions in the region, with both countries engaged in a war of words and military confrontations.

Pakistan’s Response to India’s Aggression

In a carefully measured tone, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted that Pakistan’s actions were driven by self-defense, stating that the country had been pushed to the edge by India’s aggression. “We responded because our patience had reached its limit,” Dar remarked, adding that Pakistan had acted in accordance with its national security interests. However, Dar also emphasized that the door for de-escalation remained open, contingent on India’s cessation of further strikes.

“If India stops here, we will also consider stopping,” Dar remarked, signaling that Pakistan would be willing to engage in a de-escalatory dialogue, provided India refrains from further aggression.

Diplomatic Channels Remain Open

Dar also shared details of his communication with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he spoke to shortly after his conversation with New Delhi. According to Dar, he conveyed the same message to Rubio, underscoring that while Pakistan is prepared to respond to any further hostilities, it is also open to diplomatic solutions that could bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.

The Role of International Diplomacy

The growing international concern over the escalating India-Pakistan tensions has led to increasing pressure on both nations to seek a peaceful resolution. Dar’s remarks reflect Pakistan’s willingness to engage diplomatically with its neighbors, but also its firm stance on defending its sovereignty and security. While international actors, including the U.S., are calling for restraint from both sides, the situation remains fragile.

The Way Forward

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on India to determine its next steps. If India decides to halt its attacks, it could pave the way for diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalation and eventual peace. However, if hostilities continue, Pakistan has made it clear that it will respond with full force, making it crucial for both nations to consider the broader implications of their actions on regional stability.

The tension between India and Pakistan remains one of the most critical geopolitical issues in South Asia. With both nations possessing nuclear capabilities, the stakes are incredibly high. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s statement about de-escalation serves as a reminder that while military responses may be inevitable, diplomacy remains a powerful tool for peace. Moving forward, international efforts to mediate between the two countries could play a pivotal role in preventing further escalation and fostering a pathway toward lasting peace.