Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday cautioned India against any deviation from its commitment to a "no first use" nuclear doctrine, warning that Pakistan possesses both the resolve and capability to respond “in its own language” to any act of aggression.
“We do not want the promise of not using nuclear weapons to be broken,” Mr Iqbal told reporters at a press conference in Islamabad, in the wake of what he described as “cowardly Indian missile strikes” on Pakistani territory on the night of May 7. “Pakistan’s will is very strong and forged of iron — our response will be measured, but unwavering.”
The minister’s remarks come amid escalating border tensions, with Pakistan accusing India of targeting civilians — including children — in a series of aerial violations over two nights. Mr Iqbal said that more than 70 Indian drones were intercepted and shot down by Pakistani forces in response to repeated airspace breaches.
“India should not continue this series further,” he warned. “The more damage India causes to Pakistan, the more it will suffer. These tactics are not in anyone’s favour and only threaten to destabilise the region further.”
Highlighting Islamabad’s restrained approach, Mr Iqbal said Pakistan had deliberately opted for a “cautious response,” hoping that India would draw the right lessons from it. “We hope that this will be understood in India. Our intention is not to escalate, but we will not tolerate any attack on our integrity,” he said.
Mr Iqbal accused India of firing missiles at targets in Pakistan and called out the violations of international norms. “India’s action on the night of May 7 was not just cowardly, it was a breach of peace. Civilians, including children, were targeted. Pakistan has conveyed a firm response and made its red lines clear.”
The minister further noted that India’s economic interests would be more vulnerable in case of continued hostility. “India’s economic stakes are higher than Pakistan’s. Its own citizens will pressure the leadership to rethink these aggressive moves,” he said.
Reaffirming the nation’s resolve, Mr Iqbal said that every citizen stood united with the armed forces in defence of the homeland. “They will not be negligent in protecting Pakistan’s interests. The spirit of the Pakistani nation is second to none in the world. No one can defeat our resolve.”
He also warned that India’s “fanaticism” had become a risk not only for regional stability but also for its own internal peace. “India must understand that its actions are endangerin
