Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday warned that India was attempting to push the region towards war, but made it clear that Pakistan would not be the first to initiate conflict under any circumstances.

Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Mr Dar said, “India wants to push the region towards war. Pakistan will not take the first step in any situation, but if aggression is imposed, it will respond with full national determination and strength.”

The deputy premier strongly criticised India over a recent incident in Pahalgam, describing it as a "false flag operation" aimed at diverting attention from internal unrest within India. He maintained that the tragic incident had no links to Pakistan and accused New Delhi of orchestrating a “drama”.

“It takes 45 minutes to reach the police station where the case was registered just 10 minutes after the Pahalgam incident,” he said, suggesting that the swift filing of the case raised serious questions. “India should not fool the world. This is a false flag operation,” he added.

Mr Dar also drew attention to the human rights situation within India, stating that “serious violations” were taking place in several Indian states. He said the Pahalgam episode was staged to distract from the internal movements and dissent brewing across the country.

Addressing concerns over the Indus Waters Treaty, the foreign minister said India was not legally authorised to unilaterally suspend or terminate the decades-old agreement. “Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty would be a grave violation of international law,” he remarked, reiterating that any move to block or divert Pakistan’s water would be seen as an act of war.

He also noted that the National Security Committee (NSC) had swiftly responded to the evolving situation and took "important decisions" in the wake of Indian actions. “The decisions of the National Security Committee were implemented immediately,” he said.

Mr Dar emphasised that while world leaders had urged Pakistan to exercise restraint, Islamabad remained committed to peace and condemned all forms of terrorism. However, he warned, “We have foiled the Indian Air Force’s adventurous intentions in a matter of moments before. We cannot even think of allowing our soil to be used against anyone.”

Calling on the international community to take notice of the situation, the deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on Kashmir. “The Kashmir issue will not be put on the back burner under any circumstances,” he said.