ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected what it called “provocative and inflammatory assertions” made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that such remarks represent a dangerous escalation in an already tense environment between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in a statement, said that the Indian PM’s recent address represents a dangerous escalation rooted in misinformation, political opportunism, and a blatant disregard for international law.
The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to the recent ceasefire understanding and is taking necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability.
Shafqat Ali Khan noted this ceasefire was achieved as a result of the facilitation of several friendly countries, which contacted us with a message of de-escalation.
“The portrayal of Pakistan as seeking a ceasefire in ‘despair and frustration’ is yet another blatant lie,” he added.
The statement further added that the Pahalgam attack is being exploited without credible evidence to malign Pakistan, justify military adventurism by contriving a casus belli, serve domestic political objectives, deflect attention from rising communal tensions, human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and reinforce a manufactured narrative of a perpetual external threat.
“After the unlawful and unprovoked Indian aggression against innocent Pakistani civilians on false pretext of terrorism, and despite Pakistan’s restraint, India recklessly provoked the situation further by targeting Pakistan’s military bases, risking an uncontrollable escalatory spiral,” the spokesperson added.
He warned that the Indian actions set a dangerous precedent for aggression, dragging the entire region to the brink of disaster.
“This reflects the mindset of a revisionist actor that seeks to upend strategic stability in South Asia without regard for consequences. Moreover, India is justifying the cold-blooded murder of innocent civilians, mostly women and children, as well as its highly irresponsible brinkmanship as the “new normal” for the region,” the spokesperson said in his statement.
The Foreign Office said that no one will be allowed to challenge the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, as amply demonstrated by Pakistan in resolutely defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its people.
It said Pakistan will closely monitor India’s actions and behaviour in this regard in the coming days. “We also urge the international community to do the same,” it stressed.
The statement further emphasised that Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression was calibrated and targeted against military installations. “Pakistan proved its strength against Indian military capability and targets. It is now an indisputable and well-known fact which cannot be denied by misinformation and propaganda,” it noted.
Pakistan also criticised India’s “blatant disregard” for international agreements, including violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). “Pakistan will take all necessary measures to preserve our rights under the Treaty,” the FO stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding role in combating terrorism, the spokesperson said Islamabad has itself been a victim of “Indian-sponsored terrorism.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The Spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s support for President Trump’s efforts aimed at the resolution of this dispute, which remains a source of instability in South Asia.
He said that in this era, peace is the true strength, adding that the world is not served by theatrical militarism and grandstanding but by mature leadership, regional cooperation, and respect for international norms.
“Pakistan is a sovereign nation with resilient institutions, a committed populace, and a globally recognised role in maintaining peace and security,” the statement said.
“Our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness. Any future aggression will also be met with full resolve. We hope India will prioritise regional stability and the well-being of its citizens over the narrow, politically motivated jingoism,” the statement concluded.
