Islamabad, May 10, 2025 — In a significant development amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that Pakistan exercised immense restraint during recent escalations and responded only after all diplomatic avenues were exhausted.
Speaking live on Samaa TV, Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s actions were purely defensive and not aimed at provocation. “Political contacts are underway, and we have exercised a great deal of patience,” he stated. “But when the patience scale is full, we respond — and that’s exactly what we did — a strong response in our defence.”
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance on de-escalation, stating, “If India stops, we will also stop. We talk about equality. Fighting is not the solution to anything.”
In a revelation about ongoing international mediation, Dar confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in contact with both Pakistani and Indian leadership. “We told Secretary Rubio that we acted in self-defence and assured him that if India refrains from further action, so will we. But we don’t want empty commitments.”
He also acknowledged diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, noting that both Riyadh and Washington have urged restraint from both nuclear-armed neighbors. “Our position is crystal clear: halt the aggression and we’ll respond in kind — with peace.”
Highlighting the role of the armed forces, Dar praised their professionalism and bravery, saying, “Our troops have proudly held the nation’s head high while defending every inch of our sovereignty.”
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, also speaking to Samaa TV, confirmed that Pakistan launched targeted strikes on Indian airfields, successfully disabling defense systems and inflicting heavy damage. “Despite provocations, our response was calculated, professional, and impactful,” Asif said. “Even after key sites like the Nur Khan Air Base were targeted, we suffered no significant losses — a testament to our preparedness.”
Asif further noted, “We are now ready for the next phase of operations if forced into it. But our preference remains peace — provided India halts its hostilities.”
Meanwhile, the United States has continued to play a diplomatic role in attempting to lower regional tensions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir earlier today. According to the U.S. State Department, Rubio emphasized the urgency of pursuing diplomatic channels and expressed Washington’s willingness to mediate.
In a separate call, Rubio also discussed the conflict with Deputy Prime Minister Dar, reiterating that regional peace is a top priority for the U.S.
On the other hand, in a rare acknowledgment, the Indian Army admitted suffering “significant losses” after Pakistan launched missile attacks on multiple military installations. An Indian Army spokesperson confirmed that at least 26 targets, including key airbases in Pathankot, Udhampur, Bhuj, and Adampur, were hit. The strikes reportedly caused substantial damage to equipment and infrastructure.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi of the Indian Army, addressing a press conference in New Delhi, said, “India does not wish to prolong this conflict. If Pakistan agrees to de-escalate, we are prepared to stand down.”
The current situation remains tense but fluid, with both sides publicly declaring a willingness to de-escalate under the right conditions. International attention is now focused on diplomatic initiatives that may help prevent further military confrontation in the region.
