Following the events of the Palhagam attack and the Operation Sindoor conflict, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has responded. Dar stated that Pakistan is prepared to engage in discussions with India, but no response has been received from the Indian side.
During a public event, the Pakistani Foreign Minister explicitly acknowledged that India had never agreed to third-party mediation. He mentioned that when Pakistan inquired with US Senator Marco Rubio regarding potential third-party mediation with India, the senator denied it. This statement from the Pakistani Foreign Minister contradicts claims made by former US President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly asserted his role in mediating the situation.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to negotiate with India. Discussions will be held in any manner India prefers, but Pakistan will not plead for it. Any country willing to engage in dialogue will be welcomed, as discussions are the path to solutions. Dar maintained that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation. However, if India is unwilling to engage, Pakistan will not pressure them.
Trump, since the ceasefire on May 10th between India and Pakistan, had repeatedly claimed his involvement. He asserted over 30 times that he had helped facilitate a ceasefire between the two countries. Trump had stated on multiple occasions that he had played a role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, suggesting that the US would enhance trade with both nations if they ceased hostilities.
India has consistently refuted Trump’s claims regarding the ceasefire. India maintains that the ceasefire was a result of direct talks between the military operations directors-general (DGMOs) of both countries’ armies, and that Trump had no role in the process. The Pakistani Foreign Minister’s recent statement further undermines Trump’s claims.