Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan had condemned US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities despite the fact that relations between the two countries are cordial. He added that Pakistan had been consistent in its support for Iran in the whole crisis.

Addressing the media in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Dar said that Pakistan had issued strong statements in favour of Iran since day one of the conflict with Israel.

He added that PM Shehbaz Sharif had kept up continuous contact with Iran’s president throughout the crisis.

Dar also said that support for a brotherly Islamic country like Iran was not just a political responsibility but an Islamic one as well.

He also added that Iran had acknowledged the support of Pakistan before any other country, an indicator of Pakistan’s support. He also mentioned the instance of Iranian parliament chanting ‘Thank You Pakistan’ during the president’s speech.

Dar added that Pakistan’s stance and activities had been consistent since the start of the Iran-Israel war. He said the COAS had been travelling to Pakistan from the US via England during the crisis. Dar said he had suggested to the COAS to stop in Istanbul so a statement could be issued.

He added that the COAS had tried to make sure that Iran exited the crisis with dignity in his meetings in the US.

Dar said that despite speculation, Pakistan had issued a statement without hesitation when US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities. He added that just because Pakistan’s relations with US are improving, it does not mean that Pakistan will condone what is wrong.

The foreign minister said that it was clear that Iran would not stop without retaliating against Israel and this had been conveyed to Pakistan through diplomatic channels.