ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly rejected claims that his country threatened to launch a nuclear strike on Israel in defense of Iran, describing such reports as 'fake news' and 'baseless misinformation' [1][3].

Speaking in the Senate on Monday, Dar addressed a viral video circulating on social media, which allegedly quoted an Iranian general claiming Pakistan would retaliate with nuclear weapons if Israel attacked Iran. Dar unequivocally stated, 'This is irresponsible and false news,' emphasizing that no such statement had been made by Pakistan [5][6].

The foreign minister clarified Pakistan's long-standing nuclear policy, stating, 'Pakistan's nuclear program is solely for national defense and not for any offensive purposes' [1]. He reiterated that this policy has remained unchanged since 1998, focusing on self-defense and deterrence [7].

The controversy arose amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with recent Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites resulting in significant casualties [6]. As misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms and some news outlets, Pakistani officials moved swiftly to dispel the false claims [3].

Dar expressed concern over the proliferation of misleading information, citing the incident as an example of the dangers posed by fake news in sensitive geopolitical situations [1]. He called for responsible behavior during these tense times, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before dissemination.

While rejecting the false claims, Dar did issue a warning to Israel, stating, 'Israel dare not look at Pakistan with an evil eye' [4]. This statement, while assertive, was made in the context of Pakistan's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and should not be misconstrued as a threat of nuclear action.

The incident highlights the complex dynamics of the region, with Pakistan maintaining its position of neutrality while also asserting its right to self-defense. As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, the importance of clear communication and fact-based reporting becomes increasingly crucial in preventing further escalation.