Israeli strikes in Qatar ‘baseless, rogue’, says Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan possesses a “very large” and “effective” military force, capable of responding to any conventional challenge.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, recorded ahead of the Arab-Islamic summit in Qatar and aired on Monday, Mr Dar was asked about proposals to establish a joint Middle Eastern force in response to Israeli actions in Gaza. He noted that Arab states had already discussed the idea.

“Why not? They should have a combined force, according to their own capacity and strength. Not for aggression, but for stopping the aggressor and occupier,” he said.

The minister reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear capability served only as a deterrent. “We have no intention of using it. But Pakistan has a very large, effective army, air force and navy. We have proved that we can beat our opponent conventionally if challenged,” he added.

Mr Dar also condemned recent Israeli strikes in Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders, terming the attack “totally baseless” and describing Israel as acting like a “rogue state.” He said the strikes undermined Qatar’s mediation efforts alongside the United States and Egypt.

He further criticised the inability of international institutions, including the UN Security Council, to ensure accountability. “The multilateral system needs very serious reforms. If UN resolutions are repeatedly ignored by Israel in Gaza and Palestine and by India in Kashmir, then what purpose does it serve?” he asked.

On the question of Muslim unity, Mr Dar underlined that all states, regardless of size, deserved equal dignity and respect. He also drew a comparison with India, claiming that New Delhi’s regional dominance had been “buried” during the four-day escalation between India and Pakistan in May 2025.