KUALA LUMPUR — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday strongly criticized India’s recent conduct in the region, stating that its aggressive policies are leading to international diplomatic isolation.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Dar condemned India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling it an “unprecedented and irrational move” that further damages regional peace.
🔴 Pakistan-India conflict: Ceasefire holding, but political tensions remain
Dar spoke against the backdrop of the recent four-day military conflict between Pakistan and India in May 2025 — one of the most serious in decades. The hostilities, involving missiles, drones, and artillery, ended with a ceasefire brokered after U.S. mediation, though India publicly distanced itself from President Trump’s claims that American pressure led to the ceasefire.
DPM Dar noted that Pakistan’s military responded with full force under “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, neutralizing multiple Indian military targets. He revealed that Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian fighter jets, including four Rafale aircraft, and alleged that India targeted Sikh-majority areas, a move he condemned as “deliberate and reprehensible.”
“India started the war, and ended it by asking for a ceasefire,” Dar said. “At 8:15 in the morning, the U.S. Secretary of State called to inform us that India wants a ceasefire.”
Despite the ceasefire between the militaries holding firm, Dar pointed out that India’s political leadership is struggling to accept its failure, saying:
“Pakistan-India military-to-military ceasefire is working fine, but India’s political leadership is unable to digest it.”
🌐 Regional and global dynamics
DPM Dar is in Kuala Lumpur for the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, where he also met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, conveying warm wishes from PM Shehbaz Sharif. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to stronger bilateral trade, investment, and political cooperation.
He praised Malaysia’s leadership as 2025 ASEAN Chair and thanked PM Anwar for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements at the summit.
📈 Pakistan’s economic ambitions
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress, claiming that the country is now on the path of recovery and transformation:
“Pakistan has made an economic take-off, and our goal is to be included among the G20 nations.”
