Pakistan acted with restraint as responsible nuclear state during conflict with India: Gilani

Acting President and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday asserted that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and despite Indian aggression following the Pahalgam incident, Islamabad acted with restraint and safeguarded its right to self-defence.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 41st annual dinner of the Ancient Ravians Association in Lahore, Gilani said this was a moment of unity, and that unity was also demonstrated when India attacked and Pakistan responded as a responsible nuclear state.

“India not only carried out an attack but also unilaterally revoked the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan acted with restraint safeguarding its right to self-defence,” he said.

The escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, 2025, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected India’s blame.

In response, India took a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff in each country’s embassies.

The Acting President, in his speech today, said that Pakistan’s brave armed forces and political leadership, through their unity, sent a clear message to the world that Pakistan was a responsible nuclear State.

Gilani added that Pakistan had called for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident but had not received a response, while its position had been recognized internationally.

Commenting on the recent crisis, Gilani said Pakistan was playing a responsible and active role in promoting peace, dialogue and stability in the region, and its diplomatic efforts were being recognized globally.

He said sustained efforts were essential for global peace at a time when the world was undergoing significant changes.

Gilani added that Pakistan continued to play a constructive role in promoting peace, dialogue and stability in the region, and that its diplomatic efforts, including those aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States, had been appreciated by the international community.

Gilani also emphasized the need to address major challenges such as climate change and adapt to evolving global demands, saying the world was currently undergoing a major phase of transformation.

The acting president also emphasized that Pakistan must align itself with emerging global challenges, particularly technological advancement and climate change.

During his speech, Gilani also highlighted the role of Government College University Lahore in producing generations of leaders and thinkers, highlighting its long tradition of academic excellence and character formation.

He urged the Association of Old Ravians to introduce structured mentoring programs for young graduates to help them meet changing career demands, and called on alumni to maintain strong ties with their alma mater, saying the true legacy of an institution lies in its long-standing relationships and shared values.