In a statement to the media on June 4, 2025, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that a fresh war between India and Pakistan is “remote.”
Reiterating Islamabad’s desire for a thorough dialogue that addresses not only terrorism but also other controversial topics like the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), he emphasized that although Pakistan is ready for talks with India, it is not desperate for them.
Dar’s comments came during a press conference where he described the recent diplomatic trips to Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The purpose of these visits was to show appreciation for the assistance provided by these countries during the recent escalation with India, which followed the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives.
In response to inquiries regarding the likelihood of a resumption of fighting, Dar stated that although he was unable to forecast the future, the current state of affairs on the ground indicated that the likelihood of another battle was low.
He emphasized that both sides had carried out troop withdrawals in “letter and spirit,” lowering the imminent risk of violence, and that the ceasefire is being upheld. However, he cautioned that if India started a military battle, Pakistan would respond with a “befitting reply”.
Regarding diplomacy, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in negotiation while making it clear that the nation is not pursuing talks out of desperation. He emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive discussion that covers all significant topics, such as the Indus Waters Treaty and terrorism. In reaction to India’s announcement that it would put the IWT on hold in response to the Pahalgam attack, Dar further argued that the treaty, which was negotiated in 1960 to settle issues over water distribution, could not be stopped.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s demand for an impartial inquiry into the Pahalgam event, which served as a major catalyst for the most recent uptick. He asserted that Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and measured military response have received world recognition. In particular, the foreign minister expressed gratitude for the contributions made by the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran, and other nations to defusing the situation and advancing peace.
Regarding the future, Dar declared that Prime Minister Sharif would soon travel to Saudi Arabia to express gratitude to its leadership for their helpful participation during the conflict. Additionally, he emphasized how crucial Sharif’s recent trip to Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan was to bolstering international backing for Pakistan’s stance in the crisis.
Dar commended former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s diplomatic efforts, pointing out that they have received appreciation from all around the world for their efficacy and lucidity.
India has carried out precision attacks against terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror incident. Pakistan attempted to strike Indian military installations in retaliation, but India fiercely reacted, seriously damaging Pakistani military hardware. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri declared on May 10 that the two nations had reached an agreement to cease all air, sea, and land-based military operations.
Following the incident, India and Pakistan both started diplomatic initiatives to tell their stories to the world. While Pakistan declared preparations to send expert teams overseas to convey its stance on the four-day fighting and the wider issues at stake, India sent multi-party delegations to 33 international capitals.
Although the current diplomatic momentum and adherence to ceasefire agreements signal that the probability of an immediate confrontation remains low, this period of tension highlights the delicate nature of India-Pakistan ties.
