Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that while the military ceasefire between Pakistan and India remains intact, India’s political leadership appears unwilling to come to terms with the recent conflict’s outcome.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Dar remarked, “The military-to-military ceasefire is holding well, but India’s political leadership is unable to digest the defeat.”
The remarks come just two months after the two nuclear-armed nations engaged in their most intense military confrontation in decades. The four-day conflict in May involved missiles, drone strikes, and cross-border artillery exchanges. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a large-scale military action that reportedly shot down six Indian fighter jets, including four Rafale aircraft.
Dar reaffirmed that the ceasefire was requested by India and brokered by the United States, with President Donald Trump announcing the breakthrough via social media. “At 8:15 AM, the US Secretary of State called and said that India wants a ceasefire,” he revealed.
India Isolated, Water Treaty Suspended
Dar criticised New Delhi’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it a “strange and irrational move.” He warned India that it cannot divert or block Pakistan’s water, stating that such tactics will only increase its growing diplomatic isolation.
“India is facing isolation globally because of its aggressive and belligerent policies,” the DPM added, while highlighting India’s targeting of Sikh-majority regions during the recent military tensions.
Economic Take-Off and G20 Aspirations
On Pakistan’s economic front, Dar said the country is undergoing an economic take-off despite tough challenges. He shared that the government’s next target is to secure Pakistan’s place in the G20 group of major economies.
“Our direction is clear, our resolve is strong. Inclusion in G20 is the next milestone,” he said confidently.
Strengthening Ties with Malaysia
Earlier in the day, DPM Dar met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.
He conveyed warm regards from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and expressed Pakistan’s desire to deepen ties with Malaysia across trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
Dar also praised Malaysia’s leadership as the ASEAN Chair for 2025 and appreciated the efforts to bolster economic engagement following PM Ibrahim’s October 2024 visit to Pakistan. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reciprocated the sentiment and said he was looking forward to PM Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Malaysia this October.
The 32nd ARF meeting marks an important diplomatic platform for regional peace and security, and Pakistan’s active participation underlines its commitment to multilateral engagement.
