Pakistan hits back at India’s remarks, calls for peace and Kashmir resolution
Pakistan on Monday strongly criticised recent comments by Indian leaders, describing them as reflective of a hostile and dangerous mindset that undermines regional peace.
The statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office followed remarks made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson on May 29, when he claimed that talks on Kashmir would only proceed if Pakistan “hands over Azad Jammu and Kashmir” to India.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said any attempt to blame Pakistan for instability in the region was disconnected from facts. “The international community is well aware of India's aggressive conduct, including documented evidence of support for terrorism inside Pakistan,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "... As far as our engagement with Pakistan is concerned, our stand has been clear. Any engagement has to be bilateral. We would like to reiterate that terrorism and talks cannot go together. They need to hand over to India,… pic.twitter.com/ew2AKiTHZ9
“These realities cannot be hidden behind hollow claims or diversionary tactics,” Khan added.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, he stated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a critical threat to peace in South Asia.
Islamabad, he said, will continue to advocate for a fair and durable settlement of the dispute by UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
He said India’s remarks once again proved the futility of relying on nationalism and coercion. “Threats and aggression will not allow India to achieve its goals,” he noted.
While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement, the spokesperson stressed that the country is equally prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He concluded that sustainable peace in the region requires “seriousness, restraint, and addressing the root causes of conflict”.