ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to providing political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people for a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
During the weekly press briefing held on Thursday, the Foreign Office Spokesperson condemned the provocative statement made by the Indian Defence Minister in Ladakh on July 26, 2023, boasting India’s readiness to cross the Line of Control. Pakistan viewed these remarks as reflecting India’s hostile attitude towards its neighbors, especially Pakistan.
The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any aggression, as demonstrated during its forceful response to India’s misadventure in February 2019. She criticized India’s political leaders and senior military officers for routinely making irresponsible and delusional statements about Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to fuel hyper-nationalism and anti-Pakistan sentiment.
Pakistan Ready to Respond to India’s Provocations
While Pakistan remains prepared to respond to India’s provocations, it is committed to acting responsibly and contributing to efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and stability in the region, the spokesperson added.
Jammu and Kashmir is internationally recognized as a disputed territory, and India’s claims on Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were described as baseless fantasies. The spokesperson called on India to focus on implementing the relevant UNSC resolutions, which state that the final disposition of the territory will be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations, reflecting the will of the people.
In addition, Pakistan strongly condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran and the dishonoring of the Pakistani flag in front of the Embassy of Pakistan in Copenhagen, Denmark. The government has lodged a strong protest with Denmark and expects the authorities to take necessary measures to prevent such acts of hatred and incitement.
The spokesperson stressed that such acts aim to insult Muslims worldwide and create divisions among communities, cultures, and countries. She called on national governments, regional organizations, and the international community to condemn and prevent acts of religious hatred and Islamophobia. The international community must work together to promote inter-faith harmony and peaceful coexistence, she added.
