ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Beijing reiterated its stance on Zangnan, a region also known as Arunachal Pradesh.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, during a weekly press briefing on Friday, stated that Pakistan “fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China”.
The statement comes against the backdrop of renewed tensions between India and China over the disputed region, which China refers to as Zangnan.
He added that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India had remained in contact since May 10, stressing the importance of continued dialogue.
India’s aggressive posture
Commenting on broader regional developments, he criticised India’s “aggressive posture,” accusing New Delhi of destabilising the regional security environment.
He expressed concern over India’s continued militarization and growing defence budget, calling it “aggressive and hegemonic.”
He stated that Pakistan’s military operations, carried out under Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, were a response to cross-border aggression and were conducted in self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.”
“Our response was in line with our right to self-defence and aimed at preserving national sovereignty,” Khan said.
He welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between the two sides and urged India to uphold its commitments. “We view this as a positive step and expect India to implement the ceasefire in both letter and spirit,” he added.
“We once again appreciate the constructive role played by friendly countries in facilitating the ceasefire. We also reiterate our support for President Trump’s announcement on engaging with Pakistan and India to seek a resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” he noted.
Pakistan committed to regional peace
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in his remarks, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace. He confirmed that tensions with India had escalated into direct hostilities in recent weeks, during which Pakistan’s Armed Forces shot down six Indian aircraft.
He said that Pakistan returned a captured Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable, and India reciprocated by handing over a Pakistani Rangers sepoy.
“This reflects Pakistan’s maturity and commitment to peace, unlike India, which must be urged to abide by its ceasefire commitments,” he said.
Shafqat Ali Khan reiterated Pakistan’s support for international mediation efforts, including the US initiative to address the Kashmir dispute.
“The resolution of Jammu and Kashmir, a UN-recognized dispute under several resolutions, including UNSC Resolution 47, remains vital to regional peace,” he said.
Responding to media queries pertaining to recent Indian claims of a nuclear facility being attacked, he dismissed reports as “fake, preposterous, and a product of Indian propaganda.” He urged New Delhi to “reverify such misinformation before dissemination.”
He expressed concern over India’s continued militarization and growing defence budget, calling it “aggressive and hegemonic.”
Indus Waters Treaty
He said that India’s recent unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was a violation of international norms and must be reversed immediately to restore water-sharing obligations.
“Pakistan is a sovereign nation with resilient institutions and an able populace. We are fully prepared to defend ourselves without harbouring hegemonic ambitions,” he stated.
He highlighted ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including the trilateral talks between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan focused on regional security, development, and connectivity.
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s close ties with Türkiye and Azerbaijan and expressed appreciation for Russia’s “clear and balanced position” during Indo-Pak tensions.
India’s double standards
Regarding allegations of terrorism, the spokesperson pointed out India’s double standards: “Pakistan has never hesitated to condemn terrorism, and we remain one of its biggest victims. India’s role in sponsoring terrorism in the region and beyond is well-documented.”
He noted that while Pakistan offered condolences to India over the recent tragic event in Pahalgam, the same courtesy was never extended from the Indian side after terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
