ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday strongly rejected recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), describing them as “misplaced rhetoric of aggression and belligerence” that threatens regional peace and stability.
In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Government of Pakistan “condemns in the strongest possible terms” the Indian defence minister’s comments, calling them highly provocative and irresponsible.
Foreign Office Says Remarks Distort Kashmir Dispute
The Foreign Office said Singh’s statement distorted the facts surrounding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains an internationally recognised issue on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
According to the statement, the remarks reflect what Pakistan described as India’s deliberate policy of threatening regional and international peace and security.
Rajnath Singh’s Remarks
Speaking on Sunday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that any future talks with Pakistan would only be held on “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”
He also stated that the Indian government had given its armed forces a free hand to respond decisively to security threats, expressing confidence that no adversary would dare challenge India.
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Pakistan Rejects India’s Claims
Responding to the comments, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said such statements were an attempt to divert international attention from India’s continued administration of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as well as what Pakistan described as India’s regional policies and internal challenges.
The statement added that India should not underestimate Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and national security.
Reference to Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos
The Foreign Office said Pakistan had already demonstrated its determination to respond to any aggression, referring to Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos conducted last year.
It stated that the Pakistani nation and its armed forces remain fully prepared to counter any perceived adventurism.
Pakistan Calls for UN Attention
Pakistan urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take notice of what it described as India’s conduct and to hold New Delhi accountable for implementing the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the Kashmir dispute.
The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s position that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions.
