WASHINGTON: Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan wanted peace in the region but would fittingly respond if India tried to impose war on the country, DawnNews reported.

The finance minister made the statements during a press briefing in Washington on Sunday. Dar is currently in Washington to discuss a range of strategic and economic issues with US lawmakers as well as members of international financial institutions.

He said that for progress in the region, it was pertinent to promote trade activities, adding that Pakistan wanted to maintain peaceful ties with India.

Also read: Dar promises steady GDP growth

Dar said it was clear that many wars have been fought in vain.

His remarks come as skirmishes between the India and Pakistan sides across the Line of Control (LoC) and the working boundary continue, having inflicted casualties on both sides.

According to a press release issued by the foreign ministry in Islamabad yesterday, Indian firing has so far killed 12 civilians and injured 52 in Pakistan this month.