Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed on Monday that war is not a game, and Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs are purely for self-defense. Speaking in the Senate, Dar addressed rising misinformation and clarified Pakistan’s official stance amid ongoing regional tensions.
He warned against spreading false news, stating that several misleading clips have surfaced since June 13. One such clip featured former U.S. President Donald Trump but was later revealed to be AI-generated. Dar also pointed out that a recent interview of Israeli PM Netanyahu making rounds online was actually from 2011.
Referring to a widely circulated fake news item, Dar strongly denied claims that a Pakistani official threatened a nuclear strike on Israel in response to any attack on Iran. He emphasized that Pakistan made no such statement and added, “This is not a child’s game—serious war is underway.”
He reiterated that Pakistan’s defense programs exist solely for its own protection. If India provokes, Pakistan will respond more strongly than before, he warned. Dar stated, “Our nuclear and missile capabilities are not for aggression but for ensuring our own safety and sovereignty.”
Dar also revealed that he stayed in constant contact with the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman during recent escalations. He added that Pakistan played an active diplomatic role as a UN Security Council member and facilitated communication between nations. According to Dar, Iran has shown willingness to negotiate if Israel halts further strikes, and Pakistan is ready to support peace efforts through dialogue.