Pakistan exercised restraint as responsible nuclear state during India conflict: Gilani

Acting President and Chairman of the Senate, Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Sunday said that Pakistan was a responsible nuclear state, despite Indian aggression after the Pahalgam incident, Islamabad exercised restraint while safeguarding its right to self-defence.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 41st annual dinner of the Old Ravians Association in Lahore, Gilani said that this was a time for unity, and that such 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 exercised restraint while safeguarding its right to self-defence,” he said.

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 the Indian blame.

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

The acting president, in his address 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 received no response, while its position had been acknowledged internationally.

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

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

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 stressed the need to address major challenges such as climate change and to adapt to evolving global demands, saying the world was currently going through an important phase of transformation.

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

During his address, Gilani also highlighted the role of Government College University Lahore in producing generations of leaders and thinkers, noting its long-standing tradition of academic excellence and character-building.

He urged the Old Ravians Association to introduce structured mentorship programmes for young graduates to help them meet changing professional demands, and called on alumni to maintain strong ties with their alma mater, saying an institution’s true legacy lies in its enduring relationships and shared values.