Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan never considered using nuclear weapons while receiving defending the aggression of neighboring India and describing Islamabad’s military strikes as “measured” and “strictly in self -defense”.

In his first conversation since a ceasefire grabbed on Saturday, FM told Dar Cnn That the situation had grown dangerously unstable following India’s cross -border air strikes on May 7, but refused Islamabad ever planned a nuclear response.

“We were very sure that our conventional capacity and capabilities are strong enough for us to beat them both in air and on the ground,” said the Foreign Minister.

The recent exchange of strikes marked the worst military confrontation between the two nuclear armed neighbors since the war in 1971. Dozens of people were reported killed on both sides, while the infrastructure was severely damaged in disputed border regions.

FM Dar mentioned India’s actions as a “desired attempt to establish its hegemony” in Kashmir. He said Pakistan had no choice “than to answer what he called an unprovoked aggression.

Despite several days of intense matches, both sides agreed on a ceasefire on Saturday after American diplomatic effort. The verse flight light, brokered by State Secretary Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, came into force in the midst of reports of the final bursts of shooting in Kashmir.

The Foreign Minister also said there was no direct contact between Indian and Pakistani officials during the negotiations. Instead, communication was relieved by Washington.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier on Monday that New Delhi had only “paused” his offensive and warned of further retaliation if provided.

However, FM Dar rejected the hint that Pakistan had tried to step down with weakness. “They had seen what happened in the sky. They could see how serious the damage was,” he said.

He also confirmed Pakistan’s attitude that the root cause of the conflict lies in Kashmir – a disputed territory that was fully required by both India and Pakistan, but administered in parts. The region has triggered three wars since the countries gained independence in 1947.

“Kashmir is the fundamental cause of this regional instability,” FM Dar said. “Its future must be decided through self -determination.”

India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups operating in Indian illegally occupied Kashmir – a tax Islamabad denies. India’s air strikes followed the killing of tourists in Kashmir in April, as it accuses Pakistan of sponsoring the group. FM Dar condemned the killings and repeated Pakistan’s attitude to terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations”.

The Foreign Minister also raised concerns about the water ridges associated with Kashmir’s rivers. He warned that New Delhis reported a decision to block streams from the Chenab River could be seen as “an act of war” if not turned.

Indian media reported last week that the government had reduced the stream of water from the Baglihar dam, which potentially affects Pakistan’s water supply.

The Foreign Minister said the question should be resolved in upcoming conversations. “The growing river can only hold if such provocations are avoided,” he said.

Despite the tensions, FM expressed dar hope of peace. “We look forward to building a future that provides dignity for both sides,” he said. “We still hope that sense will prevail.”

India-Pakistan ceasefire follows escalation but fragile tranquility persists

A full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10 after days of increased military exchanges that brought both nuclear armed neighbors to the brink of the war.

The announcement was first made by US President Donald Trump and later confirmed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of external affairs S. Jaisankar and US State Secretary Marco Rubio.

Tensions flared after an attack on April 22 in Pahagam, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), leaving 26 civilians dead.

India accused Pakistan-based elements without providing evidence Islamabad rejected the claims. In response, India closed the Wagah border, revoked Visa and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty -Moves Pakistan called an “act of war.”

The conflict was intensified with India’s Missilattracks and the Drone penetration as it leaned its operation Sindoor.

Pakistan’s military launched Operation Bunyan-Un-Marsoos in retaliation and announced that it had put down five Indian jets-inclusive Rafales and captured 77 Israeli-made Harop drones.

After diplomatic intervention led by Washington, both sides agreed to stop military activity across land, air and sea. Hours after the ceasefire, however, fresh skirts were reported along both sides of the line with control.

Explosions were heard in Srinagar, and exchanges of fire by officials were quoted on both sides, which raised concerns about the durability of the ceasefire.

Pakistan’s foreign office repeated his commitment to the ceasefire while accusing India of violations.

DG Ispr LT Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan had not requested the ceasefire, claiming that India began the ceasefire request after Pakistan’s retaliatory attack. He described war between two nuclear forces as “unbelievable” and “an absurdity.”

Chaudhry confirmed that no Indian pilot was in Pakistani custody and rejected viral claims as incorrect information.

He called Operation Bunyan-Un-Maroos a unified national reaction to Indian aggression, noting that Pakistan had delivered his obligations to respond resolutely and proportionately.

Cities all over Pakistan observed YouM-E-Taskkur (Thanky Day) on Sunday to mark what was hailed domestic as a successful defense of national sovereignty.