Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that Pakistan did not request a ceasefire at any stage of the recent conflict.
Addressing the upper house, he provided a detailed timeline and rationale behind Pakistan’s actions during escalating tensions with India. Dar said that on May 10 at 8:15 am, US Senator Marco Rubio made the first call, to say that India was willing to observe a ceasefire. “I told him that if India is ready, then we are also prepared for a ceasefire. Following discussions, the ceasefire was extended first until May 12, then to May 14, and now extended further to May 18," he maintained.
“We achieved victory through the bravery and valour of our armed forces,” Dar said. He confirmed that six Indian aircraft and one UAV were downed. “The Pakistan Air Force has become the uncontested ruler of the skies.”
He revealed that certain countries had warned of India striking back. “I replied clearly – if India punches, we will punch back too.”Dar said that India had suffered an estimated loss of $3billion, including the destruction of three Rafales, two MiGs, and one Su-30.
– Timeline of escalation and response –
Dar recounted that on the nights of April 29–30, approximately 75 Indian aircraft, including Rafales, violated Pakistani airspace. Attacks were carried out in Punjab and Azad Kashmir, with two mosques being targeted under the false pretext of hitting militant hideouts.
“The PAF was instructed to target any aircraft violating our airspace. Our response was immediate and decisive,” he said.
He accused India of falsely claiming that Pakistan had attacked 15 Indian military installations on the night of May 7. “India even tried to provoke the Sikh community by launching missiles towards Amritsar.”
In response, Pakistan carried out a measured counter-attack on the morning of May 7 and 10, remaining within its territory and acting under the UN Charter’s Article 51, which allows self-defence.
– No cvilian targets hit by Pakistan –
“Pakistan deliberately avoided civilian areas,” Dar emphasised. While 11 Pakistani soldiers and 40 civilians were martyred, Indian civilian zones were not targeted. Instead, Pakistan precisely struck military installations.
He confirmed that Indian attacks targeted Nur Khan Airbase, Sukkur and Rahim Yar Khan, prompting Pakistan to launch full retaliatory strikes.
– Diplomatic engagements and international outreach –
Dar shared that contacts were made with over 60 foreign ministers and deputy PMs to explain Pakistan’s restraint and position. “We assured global leaders that we would not escalate unless India initiated further action.”
Following Rubio’s call, Saudi Prince Faisal also contacted Dar and later informed Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar about Pakistan’s stance. The ceasefire terms were communicated to the armed forces immediately after these discussions.
Pakistan also responded to Indian provocations at international forums. While the UN Security Council did not condemn the Pahalgam incident, Pakistan succeeded in getting Jammu and Kashmir included in the resolution text while removing references to TRF, ensuring its national narrative was preserved.
– Strategic balance and ceasefire monitoring –
Dar noted that Pakistan has restored strategic balance in the region and dismantled India’s one-sided narrative. “The world now recognises the professional competence of our forces,” he added.
Despite the ceasefire, Indian shelling continued late at night on the LoC, to which Pakistan responded forcefully. The ceasefire timing was recorded at 4:30 PM, and Pakistan remains prepared for both peace and war.
– Senate resolutions and national consensus –
The Senate unanimously passed multiple resolutions, including commending the success of Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos and the armed forces. The resolution stated that Pakistan will defend its share of water resources under the Indus Waters Treaty. It reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global peace.
Moreover, it called for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The resolution rejected India's attempts to annex Kashmir and stating that the treaty cannot be suspended or altered.
