Pakistan’s military, tested by a brief yet intense South Asian clash, demonstrated disciplined resolve and strategic precision, asserting its regional readiness
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, has said that the country has regained respect and recognition on the global stage, arguing that recent diplomatic and military developments had tested and strengthened Pakistan’s standing.
Briefing journalists in Islamabad on what he described as Pakistan’s diplomatic successes, Dar reflected on the recent four-day conflict between Pakistan and India, relations with neighboring and regional countries, and expanding ties with key global partners. He said the short but intense South Asian confrontation had served as a test for Pakistan, claiming that its armed forces had responded with discipline and strategic clarity.
According to Dar, a joint civil and military decision was taken on the night of 9 May to respond, and Pakistan adopted what he described as a measured but effective strategy. He said that within 36 hours, India had launched around 80 drones into Pakistani territory, of which 79 were intercepted and destroyed. One drone, he said, caused minor damage to a military installation and injured a single individual.
Turning to relations with the United States, Dar said the US president had publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s victory on more than 60 occasions. He added that bilateral trade with the US had reached $13.28bn, with Pakistan enjoying a trade surplus. He also pointed to closer counter-terrorism cooperation, noting that Washington had designated the Baloch Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade as global terrorist organizations this year.
Dar said that when the current government took office, Pakistan was widely viewed as diplomatically isolated. He argued that this perception had changed, adding that Pakistan did not seek mediation during the conflict and had acted independently. He claimed that Pakistani forces had shot down seven Indian aircraft and said an Indian strike on Nur Khan airbase had been a “serious mistake”.
On Kashmir, Dar said the UN security council had discussed alleged human rights violations in the disputed region. He reiterated Pakistan’s long-held position that lasting peace in South Asia was not possible without a resolution of the Kashmir issue in line with the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He rejected what he called India’s “baseless allegations” following the Pahalgam incident.
