ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Monday strongly condemned remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling them “highly provocative and irresponsible” and accusing New Delhi of undermining regional peace.
In a strongly worded statement, the FO said Singh’s comments distorted internationally recognised facts about the disputed territory and reflected what it described as India’s continued reliance on “aggressive rhetoric” instead of constructive diplomacy.
The Foreign Office maintained that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised dispute on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), rejecting any unilateral claims over the territory. It said India’s recent statements were inconsistent with international law and existing UN resolutions concerning the issue.
Warning against escalation
Islamabad also cautioned New Delhi against what it termed “misplaced assumptions” about Pakistan’s resolve, asserting that the country was fully capable of responding to any act of aggression.
“The Indian leadership must not underestimate Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the FO said, adding that inflammatory statements only heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
Remarks spark diplomatic exchange
The response came after Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s position that any future dialogue with Pakistan would only concern Pakistan-administered Kashmir, while ruling out broader bilateral talks. He also made remarks highlighting India’s military preparedness during commemorations marking Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Pakistan rejected those assertions, arguing that such statements neither alter the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir nor contribute to regional stability. The FO urged India to adopt a more responsible approach and engage in dialogue aimed at resolving longstanding disputes through peaceful means.
The latest exchange underscores the continuing diplomatic friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with Kashmir remaining one of the most contentious issues in their bilateral relationship.
