Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday strongly denied reports that Pakistan had threatened to launch a nuclear strike on Israel in the event of an Israeli attack on Iran, calling such claims “fake news” and warning Tel Aviv against casting a hostile eye on Pakistan.
Speaking in the Senate, Dar, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House, emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programs are strictly for national defence and not intended for aggression.
“The statement attributed to an Iranian general regarding a Pakistani nuclear threat to Israel is completely false,” Dar said. “Our nuclear programme is a national trust, achieved through great sacrifice. It is solely for our defence.”
The foreign minister’s comments came amid a flurry of social media speculation and media reports falsely claiming that Pakistan had vowed to retaliate against Israel with nuclear weapons if Iran were attacked.
“This is a time of serious regional conflict, not a playground for misinformation,” Dar cautioned, adding that several misleading and AI-generated clips, including one involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, had been circulating recently.
He urged the public and media to act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified claims, especially given the gravity of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. “The interview of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that is being shared is from 2011,” he clarified. “Fake and outdated content is fuelling dangerous narratives.”
Despite denying the nuclear threat claims, Dar sent a clear message to Israel: “Dare not look at Pakistan with ill intentions. We are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty, and any hostile act will be met with a forceful response.”
He pointed to the unity shown by Pakistan during past moments of crisis, particularly during confrontations with India. “The nation stands united when it comes to protecting our homeland,” he said. “By the grace of Almighty, we have the strength and resolve to respond to any threat.”
Dar also provided updates on Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement amid the Iran-Israel conflict. He said he remained in close contact with the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman and that Pakistan played an active role at the UN Security Council.
“Iran’s foreign minister personally thanked Pakistan for its support,” Dar noted, adding that Iran had kept Pakistan informed about its ongoing negotiations with the United States.
Additionally, Dar revealed that Iran had requested Pakistan’s help in managing Iranian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia due to regional tensions. “We will welcome them at Karachi Airport, issue on-arrival visas, and provide them temporary accommodation until they are repatriated via land routes,” he said.
Dar concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to promoting dialogue and de-escalation. “We continue to support diplomatic efforts, especially between Iran and the U.S. This conflict is serious and demands responsible, level-headed responses—not hysteria or falsehoods,” he said.
