Pakistan’s FM: “India’s dream of regional supremacy has been buried"

Pakistan and India have agreed to uphold a ceasefire until Sunday, May 18, following military-to-military discussions between the two sides.

The announcement came from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who addressed the Senate with a pointed rejection of Indian aspirations for regional dominance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

Speaking to lawmakers, Dar stressed that Islamabad will not tolerate any imbalance in regional dialogue or diplomacy.

“Dialogue will only proceed on equal terms,” he said. “Eventually, the process will move toward negotiations.”

The foreign minister categorically dismissed suggestions that Pakistan had initiated the ceasefire.
“At 8:15 a.m. on May 10, I received the first call from Marco Rubio, who informed me that India was ready for a ceasefire,” Dar revealed. “I replied that if India is ready, Pakistan is also ready.”

Dar emphasised that Pakistan’s armed forces were brought into the loop only after India’s intentions had been verified and assurances were sought to ensure India would uphold its commitments.

He added that just one hour after Rubio’s call, he was contacted by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who also discussed the ceasefire and confirmed the earlier message conveyed by Rubio.

In strongly worded remarks underscoring Pakistan’s military stance, Dar declared: “We retaliated for what India did. The Pakistan Air Force proved its dominance in the skies, and India’s dream of regional supremacy has been buried.”

Turning to the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, Dar clarified that while amendments could be considered, the treaty itself could not be suspended or revoked. He noted that the President of the World Bank had recently issued a statement confirming the treaty’s continued relevance and durability.

By Tamilla Hasanova