Islamabad (GNP): Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif dismissed recent comments by Indian Defence Minister on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing them as irresponsible and misleading in a statement posted on social media platform X.
Asif said the remarks represent another attempt to misrepresent internationally recognized legal facts through political rhetoric, arguing that such statements do nothing to change the disputed status of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, nor do they contribute to regional peace or meaningful dialogue.
He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, with its final status to be determined in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
He argued that India’s efforts to criticize Pakistan lack credibility given its own record on issues related to regional instability, describing India as a major source of tension in South Asia.
He added that India’s rhetoric risks escalating tensions and lowering the threshold for potential conflict in the region.
Asif said Pakistan remains committed to peace and dialogue, but stressed that its resolve to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security remains firm and non-negotiable.
He suggested the Indian defence minister’s remarks were intended to divert attention from domestic political challenges and growing public discontent within India.
Foreign Ministry Response
In a separate statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said the Indian defence minister’s comments misrepresent the internationally recognized Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains on the UN Security Council’s agenda, and reflect what he described as a deliberate effort by India to escalate regional tensions.
He said such statements appear intended to shift attention away from India’s continued administration of Jammu and Kashmir and its domestic instability.
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Pakistan called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take note of India’s conduct and to hold it accountable for failing to implement UN Security Council resolutions that affirm the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
