Nuclear option never considered; Pakistan had to strike in self-defense, says Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar denied that Pakistan considered using nuclear weapons against India during the recent conflict, emphasizing that the country had no option but to respond with conventional strikes following India’s cross-border attacks on May 7. In an interview, Dar described India’s actions as an attempt to assert hegemony in Kashmir, but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s military capabilities. He also called for long-term peace negotiations, warning that failure to resolve issues like the Indus Waters Treaty could lead to further escalation. Dar highlighted the key role of international diplomacy in securing the ceasefire, mentioning contributions from the US, China, and several Gulf nations.