ISLAMABAD, Friday, May 09, 2025 (WNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level diplomatic phone calls on Friday to brief key international counterparts on the deteriorating regional situation following India’s “illegal and unprovoked attacks” across multiple cities in Pakistan.

In conversations with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Japan, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, and Norway, Dar strongly condemned the targeting of mosques, residential areas, and other religious sites, which has resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly.

According to the Foreign Office, the discussions underscored Pakistan’s firm stance on defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Türkiye expresses solidarity

Speaking with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dar provided a detailed account of the ongoing hostilities and India’s actions, which he described as blatant violations of international norms. Fidan extended heartfelt condolences over the civilian casualties and reaffirmed Türkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan during these tense times.

Japan calls for restraint, dialogue

In a separate conversation, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi voiced deep concern over the evolving tensions between Pakistan and India. He conveyed his sympathies to the families affected by the violence and emphasized the need for both countries to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic engagement to preserve regional peace.

Dar responded by stressing that while Pakistan had shown restraint, the gravity of India’s actions — which he said undermine peace and security in South Asia — warranted global attention. “Pakistan remains committed to peace but will not compromise on its sovereignty,” he asserted.

Azerbaijan stands with Pakistan

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also reached out to DPM Dar, expressing strong support and solidarity with Pakistan. He condemned the Indian strikes as violations of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and offered condolences on behalf of the Azerbaijani people. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ deep fraternal ties and agreed to maintain close diplomatic coordination in the days ahead.

UK urges de-escalation

UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy called Dar to express concern over the intensifying Pakistan-India tensions. He conveyed condolences over the civilian deaths and urged both sides to de-escalate and seek a peaceful resolution.

Dar briefed Lammy on the scale and impact of the Indian strikes, emphasizing that Pakistan’s response had so far remained within the bounds of international law and restraint. “However,” he cautioned, “our commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.”

The Foreign Office said that Pakistan would continue to engage with international partners to expose Indian aggression and to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at safeguarding regional stability.

Norwegian FM commends Pakistan’s measured response, emphasized urgent need for de-escalation

Dar held a telephone conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to apprise him of the worsening regional situation following what Pakistan has termed India’s “illegal and unprovoked” attacks on multiple cities.

Dar informed his Norwegian counterpart that the strikes had resulted in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. He stressed that Pakistan had exercised restraint despite these serious violations of international law and the UN Charter, which he said posed a grave threat to regional peace and stability.

“The Government of Pakistan remains resolute in its commitment to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Dar affirmed during the call.

Foreign Minister Eide expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and extended condolences over the civilian casualties. He commended Pakistan’s measured response and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, calling for diplomacy and dialogue to prevent further conflict.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties, with the Norwegian foreign minister acknowledging the valuable contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to Norway’s socio-economic development.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and agreed to remain in close contact as the situation unfolds.