Dare not look at Pakistan, Dar warns Israel

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Monday strongly rejected claims that it threatened to nuke Israel if it dropped an atom bomb on Iran, even as the foreign minister warned Tel Aviv "dare not look at Pakistan" with an evil eye.

Ishaq Dar, who is the leader of the house in the Senate as well as deputy prime minister, stressed that Pakistan's nuclear and missile programs were meant for the defence of the country.

Dar said that the news attributed to an Iranian general regarding a nuclear strike on Israel was false and based on "fake news".

The foreign minister's remarks came at a time when reports were circulating on social media and mainstream media, claiming that in the event of a nuclear attack on Iran, Pakistan would retaliate by launching a nuclear strike on Israel.

While speaking in the Senate on Monday, Pakistan's foreign minister said, "This is fake news".

"Pakistan's nuclear program is a trust of our nation. This programme has been achieved by the Pakistani nation through immense sacrifices."

He said that misleading misinformation was being spread and urged caution. "A clip about US President Trump was circulating yesterday, but it was later discovered to be AI-generated," he said.

He mentioned that after June 13, several fake news stories emerged.

"Netanyahu's interview being circulated is from 2011. In such a sensitive situation, everyone should act responsibly. This is not child's play - a serious kind of war is underway. Iran's foreign minister remained in constant contact with me during the negotiations," he said.

He stressed the need for caution: "A lot of wrong and misleading news is spreading. War is no joke. We must clarify things regarding fake news. The reports suggesting that Pakistan would launch a nuclear strike on Israel in case of an attack on Iran are baseless. Our nuclear and missile programs are solely for our own defence."

He, however, made it clear that Pakistan was on high alert in view of the regional tensions and warned Israel not to cast an evil eye on Pakistan.

"Our message is very clear for Israel: Dare not look at Pakistan," Dar said, adding Pakistan had the strength and resolve to give a befitting response to any malafide action.

He recalled that the entire world saw the unity shown by the people of Pakistan in the wake of Indian aggression.

"God willing, we will remain united. When it comes to safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan, we are all one," he remarked.

"By the grace of Almighty, we have enough strength that whoever dares to look at us with hostility, we will respond with greater force," he added.

Dar said that the foreign ministers of Oman and Iran kept him updated on developments. "We played our role regarding the UN Security Council meeting, and Iran expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also stated that due to the Iran-Israel tensions, Iranian pilgrims had become stranded in Saudi Arabia. "Iran requested our assistance," he said.

"We will welcome the Iranian pilgrims at Karachi Airport, issue them on-arrival visas, and allow them to stay in Karachi. Afterwards, the Iranian government will take them back via shuttle service through road routes," he added.

Referring to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Pakistani foreign minister said that a serious nature of war has already started between the two countries.

"We are making every effort for dialogue, particularly for successful negotiations between the United States and Iran."

According to Ishaq Dar, Iran's foreign minister had taken him into confidence regarding the talks with the US.

He added that Pakistan has supported Iran diplomatically, and Iran has also appreciated Pakistan's role.

"We have been in contact with Iran's foreign minister, and he has said that they will give a strong response to Israel."