Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged that it was Islamabad who requested a ceasefire after two of their most important air bases were hit by India. While talking on a TV news program, Dar said India Nur Khan and Shorkot Air Base in Rawalpindi and Punjab Province struck as part of Operation Sindoor. In the video that now goes viral on social media, it can be heard and said: ‘Unfortunately, India launched rocket strikes again at 2:30. They attacked the Nur Khan air base and Shorkot airball. Within 45 minutes, Saudi Prince Faisal called me. He said he just asked of my conversation with (US Minister of State). Transfer that we are ready when they (India) stop. On May 7, India performed precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ over terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Kashmir in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people. Pakistan tried to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. India has responded strongly to the Pakistani efforts by encouraging a number of important Pakistani military installations, including air base, air defense systems, command and controls and radar locations. Foreign Minister Vikram Misri announced on May 10 that India and Pakistan have achieved an understanding of stopping all firing and military action on land, air and sea immediately. On June 4, Dar ‘chances of revival of conflict with India’ ” According to a PTI report, Dar’s remark came as he responded to a question at his press conference, with details about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Turkiye, Iran, AzerBeidjan and Tajikistan and to thank the various leadership for support during the last month’s The Pahalgam terror attack. When Ishaq was asked about a possible new battle round, he said he could not predict the future, but that the chances of such a possibility were slim. “The ceasefire holds and all steps regarding the withdrawal of troops have been implemented by the two parties in letter and spirit. In my opinion there is no chance (of new war),” he said. “However, we will give an appropriate answer as India used armed conflict.” He said Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India, but not desperate for it, adding that Pakistan is looking for a compound dialogue that includes terrorism as well as other issues, including Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the report states. The minister repeated the offer for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam incident, which led to the recent escalation between Pakistan and India. Dar claimed that while the kinetic action of Pakistan was appreciated, his diplomatic efforts also earned international recognition. The minister also appreciated the role of the US, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iran and other countries during the conflict and brought peace. (With input from PTI)
Pakistan’s big admission: India’s strike on air base has forced us to request ceasefire, says Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar | Today news
