Islamabad, July 27: Pakistan has strongly criticized recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concerning Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as “highly provocative and irresponsible” and accusing India of using aggressive rhetoric that could heighten regional tensions.
In a statement issued on Monday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Singh’s comments misrepresented the status of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and were inconsistent with international efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the dispute remains on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and argued that Singh’s remarks distorted internationally recognized facts regarding the issue.
Comments Prompt Diplomatic Response
The response followed comments made by Singh on Sunday, in which he said that any future talks with Pakistan would focus only on what India refers to as Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He also stated that India’s armed forces had been given the authority to respond decisively to security threats and expressed confidence in the country’s defence capabilities.
Pakistan rejected those remarks, alleging they were intended to divert attention from broader issues related to Jammu and Kashmir and regional security.
The Foreign Office further stated that Pakistan remains committed to defending its sovereignty and would respond to any actions it considers threatening to its national security.
Appeal to the International Community
Pakistan called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take note of what it described as India’s increasingly confrontational posture and urged renewed attention to UN Security Council resolutions relating to Jammu and Kashmir.
Islamabad reiterated its longstanding position that the people of Kashmir should be able to exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Longstanding Dispute
The Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir has remained one of the principal sources of tension between India and Pakistan since both countries gained independence in 1947. India and Pakistan each administer parts of the territory while claiming it in full, and the dispute has led to multiple wars, periodic military confrontations and ongoing diplomatic disagreements.
India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and regards issues concerning the territory as internal matters. Pakistan disputes that position and continues to advocate for an internationally supported resolution of the dispute.
Regional Implications
The latest exchange of statements reflects continuing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours at a time when both governments have repeatedly emphasized national security and border issues.
While no new military developments were reported alongside the diplomatic exchange, analysts note that public statements by senior officials on both sides are closely watched because of their potential impact on regional stability and future diplomatic engagement.