ISLAMABAD, May 8 (Alliance News) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of Pakistan and India have made contact in the aftermath of India’s missile strikes on Pakistani territory, marking a critical diplomatic development amid escalating tensions.
“There has been contact between the two, yes,” Dar told TRT World when asked whether the two countries’ NSAs had spoken following India’s overnight airstrikes — an action Islamabad has labeled a “blatant act of war.”
India launched strikes early Wednesday morning on six locations across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), targeting mosques, hydropower installations, and civilian areas. At least 31 civilians, including children, were martyred, and 57 others were injured.
In swift retaliation, Pakistan’s armed forces reportedly shot down five Indian Air Force jets, seven drones, and destroyed multiple Indian military installations including a brigade headquarters and LoC checkposts.
“India has done something that is not condonable,” Dar said, warning that Pakistan will decide the time, form, and nature of its response. “The country will decide when and what mode and which form we will react in future.”
Dar highlighted Türkiye’s immediate diplomatic support, noting that the first call he received after the attack was from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan around 1 a.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also spoke with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing deep solidarity with Pakistan and extending condolences to the victims.
“Turkiye is like a very close brother,” Dar said, appreciating Erdogan’s offer to do everything possible to prevent further escalation. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned India’s “provocative” actions and warned of the risk of an all-out war.
The Turkish ambassador was among the first foreign diplomats to reach out directly to the Pakistani Foreign Office. “You can evaluate our brotherhood, our friendship, and closeness,” Dar remarked.
The United Nations and several other international actors have also called for restraint and urged both nuclear-armed nations to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.
