Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Warns Against Violations of Sovereignty, Calls for Gaza Ceasefire
Doha — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday warned that his country will not allow violations of its sovereignty and called for stronger international action following recent Israeli strikes on Qatar. Speaking to Arab media in Doha, Dar said Pakistan and Somalia had jointly requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had strongly condemned the attacks.
“Israel’s attack on Qatar — after Lebanon and Syria — is unacceptable,” he said, calling any assault on a sovereign state “unjustifiable.” Dar argued that mere condemnation is not enough and urged the international community to adopt a clear course of action. He also pressed for an **unconditional ceasefire in Gaza**, saying the people of Gaza are enduring extreme hardship and the world must act to stop further bloodshed.
On security, Dar emphasised Pakistan’s defensive readiness. “We have strong armed forces and modern weapons; we will not allow anyone to violate our sovereignty or territorial integrity,” he said, while adding that Pakistan remains a peace-seeking nation that prefers negotiated solutions.
Turning to regional tensions with India, Dar warned that future conflicts will be fought over water. He cited the **Indus Waters Treaty** (referred to in his remarks as the Sindh-Tase agreement) and said New Delhi **cannot unilaterally suspend or terminate** the pact. “Pakistan has made it clear that any step to stop water flows will be treated as an act of war,” he said, while also expressing willingness to hold talks with India on Kashmir and other issues.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that it has borne the greatest share of the cost in combating terrorism and expressed surprise at Indian accusations against Pakistan on that front.
