New Delhi/Islamabad, May 10, 2025: For the first time since the recent escalation between India and Pakistan, a softer tone has emerged from Islamabad. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has publicly stated that if India halts its military action, Pakistan will also reconsider its response.
In an interview quoted by Reuters and Pakistan’s Geo News, Dar said,
“We do not want war, but if India attacks again, we will respond.”
He also confirmed that this message had been communicated to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating Islamabad’s willingness to explore diplomatic solutions — provided India ends hostilities.
Background of the Conflict
On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killed 26 Indian citizens.
India blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits and launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC).
Pakistan alleged that Indian strikes killed civilians — a claim India has denied.
India’s Response
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that: “India’s targets were clearly identified terrorist camps. The coffins of militants bore Pakistan’s national flag, proving official links.” Misri also reminded the global community that: The world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama Bin Laden, was hiding in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Pakistan’s support for terrorism is well-documented internationally.
Pakistan Signals Diplomatic Shift
Foreign Minister Dar’s remarks come as a surprise amid growing military activities along the India-Pakistan border. His comment: “India must stop first. Then we will reconsider,” has been interpreted as a potential window for de-escalation in the region. The message has reportedly reached Washington, indicating Islamabad’s attempt to involve global diplomacy in managing the crisis.
Global Reactions & Stakes: The world watches closely as tensions escalate between two nuclear-armed neighbors. While both countries maintain a firm stance on national security, Pakistan’s softened tone may offer a rare opportunity for backchannel diplomacy.
India, however, has reiterated that its actions are focused solely on neutralizing terror threats, not civilian populations or provocation.
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