Nuclear war ‘wasn’t an option’: Dar

In the wake of India’s provocative strikes across the border, I found myself compelled to address what unfolded next—Pakistan’s firm yet calculated response. As I write this, it’s clear that nuclear war was never on the table, not even as a last resort. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar made that much obvious in his CNN interview, stressing our strength lies in conventional military capability, not apocalyptic brinkmanship. When the dust began to settle, it was the sobering possibility of escalation—triggered by Pakistan’s counter-strikes—that pulled world powers, particularly the US, into the picture. What looked like the edge of a catastrophe turned into a showcase of Pakistan’s measured restraint and strategic finesse. Rather than going off the deep end, we held our nerve, keeping our finger off the nuclear button and our eyes on long-term peace.

Diplomacy did the heavy lifting where missiles could have flown. According to Dar, India’s claim of prior military contact was a mere smokescreen, and it was actually US intervention, not mutual goodwill, that brought both parties to a ceasefire. What tipped the scales was Pakistan’s firm retaliation that made India realize further aggression would cost more than it could afford. Yet, the story doesn’t end with missiles grounded. From the unresolved Kashmir dispute to threats over water rights, the seeds of conflict remain. The government stood its ground, rejecting Indian accusations over the Pahalgam attack and reaffirming its zero-tolerance for terrorism. In all of this, Pakistan walked a tightrope, emerging not weak but wise—turning potential disaster into diplomatic capital, proving once again that strength sometimes lies in knowing when not to strike.

Overview:

The article highlights the strategic and diplomatic maneuvering during the May 2025 Pak-India military standoff. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar made it clear that nuclear warfare was off the table. The situation was defused by Pakistan’s counter-response and international intervention, especially by the US. The ceasefire was presented as a diplomatic victory, not a sign of weakness, and Pakistan’s government emphasized the importance of addressing core issues like Kashmir and water disputes for lasting peace.

NOTES:

This article is a vital case study in strategic foreign policy, defense diplomacy, conflict resolution, and regional security. It demonstrates how nuclear deterrence functions in South Asia, how diplomacy works under pressure, and how global powers intervene to avoid escalations between rival states. It also offers insights into Pakistan’s civil-military dynamics, water security issues under the Indus Waters Treaty, and how Kashmir remains a central point in bilateral tensions.

Relevance to CSS syllabus or subjects:

• International Relations: Strategic diplomacy, nuclear deterrence, conflict resolution
• Current Affairs: Pakistan-India relations, Kashmir dispute
• Pakistan Affairs: Indus Waters Treaty, counter-terrorism, civil-military relations
• Political Science: Power politics and foreign policy decision-making

Notes for Beginners:

This article discusses the recent tension between Pakistan and India, where both countries stood on the edge of war. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar explained that although India launched airstrikes, Pakistan responded in self-defense but did not consider nuclear war an option. The conflict escalated until international powers, particularly the US, intervened to de-escalate the situation. The root of the tension remains the Kashmir dispute, and both countries continue to face unresolved issues like water sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty. The article emphasizes how diplomacy, not aggression, can lead to strategic success. For beginners, it’s important to understand that international conflicts often involve multiple layers including military action, diplomatic negotiation, and historical disputes such as Kashmir and water rights.

Facts and Figures:

• India conducted cross-border airstrikes on Pakistan on May 7, 2025.
• Pakistan responded with counter-strikes on May 10, 2025.
• No direct communication occurred between Indian and Pakistani officials before US mediation.
• The ceasefire was prompted after a call from US Senator Marco Rubio.
• The attack India blamed Pakistan for occurred in Pahalgam, where around 700,000 Indian troops were already stationed.
• The Indus Waters Treaty was held in abeyance by India but water flow in western rivers continued as per treaty obligations.
• Pakistan maintains there are no safe havens for terrorists on its soil and ongoing operations are active on the western border.
• Pakistan views the ceasefire as a strategic win, not a compromise.

To sum up, This article paints a stark yet hopeful picture of Pakistan-India relations. It reminds us that when political tensions hit boiling point, wisdom must prevail over warmongering. Pakistan’s strategic restraint, backed by strong conventional capability and timely diplomacy, turned the tide. While peace remains a work in progress, the narrative reaffirms that real strength lies not in the power to destroy but in the power to choose peace.