Speaking to reporters in the capital, Dar said he was contacted by Washington following India’s request for intervention. “I made it clear that Pakistan did not want war, but it was imposed on us,” he stated.
He clarified that Pakistan had not sought third-party mediation but agreed to a proposal to hold talks with India at a neutral venue. Dar stressed that any dialogue would not be restricted to a single-point agenda, adding that all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir, must be on the table.
Dar accused India of continued “sabre-rattling” and dismissed speculation about an imminent visit by the US Secretary of State, saying no such trip has been scheduled. He also announced that he would undertake a two-day visit to Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral relations.