Pakistan says armed forces ‘fully alert' amid Israel's ongoing conflict with Iran
Dar's statement came as the military conflict between Iran and Israel entered its fourth day on Monday, with no signs of the two sides letting up. The worst fighting between the regional foes began late Friday when Israel carried out strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership. So far, Iran says 224 people have been killed due to Israeli strikes while Tel Aviv has said at least 18 people have been killed by Iran.
During a senate session, opposition lawmaker Shibli Faraz questioned whether Pakistan's nuclear facilities were safe in light of Israel's recent strikes against Iran, urging the government not to be complacent in safeguarding them.
'Israel dare not look to Pakistan,' Dar said in response. 'By the grace of god, Pakistan has the strength to respond to a brick with a stone, to any mala fide [intentions].
'I assure my brother the armed forces of Pakistan are fully alert. As they were alert during the India-Pakistan conflict,' he added.
The deputy prime minister was referring to India and Pakistan's military conflict last month. The two countries pounded each other with missiles, drone strikes, fighter jets and artillery fire in a military conflict that lasted for four days before Washington brokered a ceasefire on May 10.
Dar said the Pakistani nation had developed its nuclear and missile defense system at a great cost and would protect them.
'These are the nation's assets, these are the nation's trust. This is the trust for the coming generation,' he said. 'It is our responsibility to safeguard it unitedly, which we will do, are doing and will do it together.'
Israel sees Iran's nuclear program as a threat to its existence. It said its strikes on Friday were designed to avert the last steps to the production of an Iranian nuclear weapon.
Tehran insists its nuclear program is entirely civilian and it does not seek an atomic bomb. The UN nuclear watchdog, however, reported Iran last week as violating obligations under the global non-proliferation treaty.
Pakistan has criticized Israel in strong words and repeatedly said Iran has the right to retaliate under the UN Charter. Islamabad has also vowed to offer diplomatic support to Iran at international forums.
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