Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday firmly denied the authenticity of a viral video purportedly showing an Iranian official stating that Pakistan would launch a nuclear attack on Israel if Iran were targeted with nuclear weapons.
The video circulated widely on social media—particularly among Indian users and media outlets—falsely attributed remarks to Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s National Security Council. The video claimed Rezaei said Pakistan had pledged nuclear retaliation on Iran’s behalf. However, fact-checking platforms have confirmed that the clip was doctored, and no such statement was made.
Addressing the matter during a Senate session, Dar stated, “There is a video making rounds on social media quoting an Iranian general as saying, ‘If Israel attacks Iran with nuclear weapons, Pakistan will retaliate with nuclear weapons.’ This is entirely baseless and irresponsible.” He emphasized that no such position had been conveyed by Pakistan and called the footage “fabricated.”
Dar also dispelled the authenticity of other misleading content, including a video falsely suggesting that former US President Donald Trump had urged Pakistan to stay out of the Iran-Israel conflict, and a recycled interview of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, incorrectly labeled as recent. Dar clarified that some of this content was AI-generated, contributing to widespread misinformation and confusion. He assured that the Foreign Office was monitoring the situation closely.
“This isn’t child’s play,” Dar warned. “We are dealing with a serious conflict, comparable to our longstanding tensions with India.”
Commenting on the Iran-Israel escalation, the foreign minister noted Pakistan’s support for diplomatic resolutions, adding that he had been kept informed throughout four rounds of nuclear-related talks held in Muscat and Rome by Iranian and Omani officials.
He also acknowledged the Senate’s proactive stance on the issue, noting that its official statement on the conflict gained international attention. Dar said Pakistan played a crucial role in facilitating a United Nations Security Council session shortly after the Israeli attacks, with Iran recognizing Pakistan’s support during the meeting.
Recounting the developments of June 13—the day of the Israeli strikes that killed nearly 80 people and wounded over 300 in Iran—Dar said he spoke to his Iranian counterpart that very night. Iran, he reported, expressed openness to diplomatic dialogue provided Israel halted its attacks. “We conveyed this willingness for de-escalation through multiple diplomatic channels,” he said.
Dar also highlighted efforts to safeguard Pakistani citizens in Iran, particularly students and religious pilgrims. “We activated our crisis management unit on June 13,” he said. “So far, we have evacuated 251 students, who are expected to reach Quetta by tonight. Over 500 pilgrims remain in Iran, some having traveled by air and others by road.”
He added that Pakistan was also assisting Iran with logistical arrangements to bring back approximately 20,000 Haj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, offering them visa-on-arrival access and reception facilities at Karachi airport.
Turning to Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine, Dar reiterated the nation’s longstanding policy: nuclear weapons are solely for self-defense and deterrence, a stance unchanged since 1998. He reminded the Senate that Pakistan, India, and Israel are not signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but emphasized that attacks on nuclear facilities—regardless of treaty status—constitute grave violations of international law due to their catastrophic potential.
“Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal exists to preserve our national and regional security,” Dar asserted. “Let it be clear—Pakistan possesses the capability to respond decisively to any hostile action. Our armed forces remain fully vigilant.”
In a separate statement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged the international community to remain alert to the risks posed by Israel’s nuclear arsenal amid its aggressive posture in the Middle East. He pointed out that Israel is estimated to possess around 90 nuclear warheads and has historically refused to comply with international nuclear safeguards or inspections.
“The global community must recognize the dangers of Israel’s nuclear capabilities, especially as it continues cross-border aggression unchecked,” Asif said. He stressed that while Pakistan adheres to international nuclear safety norms, Israel remains outside the bounds of treaties like the NPT and does not permit full inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Asif warned that ongoing Israeli military actions, particularly following its months-long campaign in Gaza, now extending to Iranian territory under the so-called “Rising Lion” operation, risk igniting a wider regional conflict.
“Continued Western support for Israel, despite its rogue behavior, could lead to disastrous consequences beyond the Middle East,” Asif cautioned. “Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities serve defensive purposes only, and our commitment remains to peace, security, and responsible conduct on the global stage.”
