Pakistan has strongly criticised recent remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describing them as provocative, irresponsible, and based on misplaced aggression. The response came through an official statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), which rejected India’s comments regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reaffirmed Pakistan’s long standing position on the issue.
According to the Foreign Office, the Indian defence minister’s statement presents a distorted interpretation of the internationally recognised Kashmir dispute. Pakistan maintained that the matter remains on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and should be resolved in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The controversy emerged after Rajnath Singh stated that any future dialogue with Pakistan would only focus on what India refers to as “Pakistan administered Kashmir.” He also said that India’s armed forces had been given complete authority to respond firmly to security threats and expressed confidence in the country’s military preparedness.
Reacting to these remarks, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that such statements were intended to divert international attention from the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He further alleged that India continues to pursue policies that undermine regional stability and increase tensions in South Asia.
The Foreign Office also stressed that Pakistan remains fully committed to protecting its sovereignty and national security. It stated that the country’s armed forces and people have consistently demonstrated their determination to respond to any threat against Pakistan’s territorial integrity.
In its statement, Pakistan urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take serious notice of India’s conduct and ensure that international commitments regarding Kashmir are respected. The Foreign Office reiterated that a peaceful and lasting resolution of the dispute should be achieved through dialogue based on UN Security Council resolutions and the right of self determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan concluded by reaffirming its commitment to regional peace, while warning that inflammatory statements could further increase tensions and undermine efforts aimed at maintaining stability in South Asia.
