Pakistan rejects Indian defense minister's remarks, warns against aggression

Pakistan on Friday rejected remarks by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and warned it would respond decisively to any aggression. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Islamabad remains committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, speaking at his weekly briefing.

What did Pakistan say about the Indian defense minister's statement?

Pakistan said it remains fully prepared to respond to any act of aggression and reiterated its position on regional peace and security. Khan spoke to journalists in Islamabad after the Indian minister's warning, which drew a formal rejection from the Foreign Office.

Singh said on Thursday that any "fresh terrorist activity from across the border would invite a strike even bigger than the last time," according to Indian news agency ANI. Khan also addressed Pakistan's diplomatic engagements, regional security, relations with India and developments in the Middle East.

What are Pakistan's latest diplomatic engagements?

Khan said Oman's foreign minister recently visited Pakistan, where the two countries held the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission. He also confirmed a visit to Pakistan by Russia's interior minister.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with his Maldivian and Egyptian counterparts to discuss the evolving regional situation. The Maldivian call covered the Maldivian president's upcoming visit to Pakistan.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts at an international conference, drawing attention to the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan. He met European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner on Oct. 13, according to Khan. Pakistan has made significant progress in curbing illegal migration to Europe, contributing to a 64% reduction in irregular migration, Khan added.

What did Pakistan announce on nuclear security and consular services?

A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency's International Physical Protection Advisory Service has successfully completed its visit to Pakistan, the spokesperson said. He also announced the launch of an electronic attestation service to facilitate Pakistanis living at home and abroad.

Responding to questions about document verification, Khan said an inquiry committee examining the matter includes members from outside the Foreign Ministry. He said the committee was carrying out its work.

What is Pakistan's position on Kashmir and Palestine?

Khan reiterated Pakistan's rejection of India's unilateral actions of Aug. 6, saying Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally disputed territory under the United Nations framework. He said the dispute requires a settlement consistent with relevant U.N. resolutions.

On Palestine, the spokesperson condemned attempts to prevent Palestinians from returning to their homeland. He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination.

Will Pakistan defend Saudi Arabia under the joint defense agreement?

Addressing the conflict involving Yemen and Saudi Arabia, Khan said Pakistan's position remains clear: the conflict can be resolved only through dialogue and negotiations. He strongly condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Khan said Pakistan is a member of a joint defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, referred to during the briefing as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, and would fulfill its responsibilities under the arrangement. He said the agreement recognizes Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself and that Pakistan fully supports the pact.

For details about the agreement's operational arrangements, he referred questions to the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, and its headquarters in Riyadh.

The spokesperson also confirmed that a Pakistani driver died in Yemen the previous week. Separately, one Pakistani national was killed and three others were injured in an attack at Riyadh airport. Khan added that maintaining law and order within Pakistan remains the government's responsibility.

What did Pakistan say about Iran and Azerbaijan?

Asked about allegations against Iran, Khan said Pakistan could not comment on allegations alone. He described Iran as a brotherly country and said Iranian leaders had appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation in Islamabad.

They had expressed gratitude for Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, he added. Asked about reports of restrictions on the hijab and protests in Azerbaijan, Khan said he was not aware of the matter.