Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar issued a strong warning to Israel on Monday, stating that Pakistan would respond firmly to any provocation.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Dar, who is also leader of the house in the senate, said Israel “does not have the courage to look at Pakistan with ill intent”.

Dar added that any aggression would be met with a forceful response.

He clarified that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is for defensive purposes and dismissed recent reports of a nuclear threat as baseless.

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During his address, Ishaq Dar criticised the spread of misinformation, citing a recent AI-generated fake video involving US President Donald Trump and Khawaja Asif.

He underscored the need to verify information before circulating it.

Dar revealed that the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman had kept him informed during the recent escalation between Iran and Israel.

He said Pakistan played a diplomatic role in facilitating discussions at the UN Security Council and received appreciation from Iran for its support, along with three other countries.

He further stated that Iran had communicated its readiness to respond to Israel’s attacks but expressed willingness to return to negotiations if hostilities ceased.

The foreign minister cautioned against spreading fake and misleading news, emphasizing that Pakistan is carefully observing the unfolding regional crisis.

He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued any statement on the Iran-Israel war, and reports claiming otherwise were fabricated, with some picked up by international media such as the Daily Mail.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to assist the evacuation of citizens in Iran, including students and pilgrims.

He announced the activation of a crisis unit within the Foreign Office and confirmed that over 250 students had returned to Quetta, with the repatriation of more than 500 pilgrims underway.

He said Pakistan would issue on-arrival visas to 20,000 Iranian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia and facilitate their return via land routes.

Responding to earlier statements made by Israeli and Indian officials, Dar reiterated that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend itself.

“Our nuclear weapons are for deterrence. Anyone who looks at us with hostility will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.

He stressed that Pakistan’s defence infrastructure, built through national sacrifices, is a national trust and will be safeguarded at all costs.

“Pakistan’s armed forces are fully alert,” he said, adding, “We’ve dealt with bigger threats than Israel. If provoked, we will respond with full force. The nation has sacrificed much to build our nuclear and missile capabilities, and it is our duty to protect them.”