Pakistan strongly rejected on Saturday remarks made by the Indian Minister of External Affairs, calling them “irresponsible” and an attempt to divert attention from India’s own role in fostering regional instability.
The response came a day after the Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar referred to Pakistan as a "bad neighbor".
Responding to media queries, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said: "India was once again trying to deflect scrutiny from what Pakistan describes as its documented involvement in terrorism and destabilizing activities in the region, particularly against Pakistan."
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the spokesperson said the case of Indian national Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav remained a clear example of what Pakistan termed “organized, state-sponsored terrorism.”
Andrabi also referred to alleged instances of extraterritorial killings, acts of sabotage through proxies, and covert support to militant networks, asserting that such actions reflect a consistent pattern of behavior.
The spokesperson further linked these actions to what he described as the "extremist ideology of Hindutva", accusing its proponents of "promoting violence and intolerance in the region".
On the issue of Indian-administered Kashmir, Pakistan reiterated its long-standing position, stating that India continues what it termed an “illegal and violent military occupation” of the disputed territory. Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for the right to self-determination, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution.
The statement also addressed concerns over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a landmark water-sharing agreement between Pakistan and India brokered by the World Bank in 1960. The spokesperson said the treaty was concluded in good faith and at considerable cost to Pakistan, warning that any unilateral violation by India would undermine regional stability and raise serious questions about New Delhi’s adherence to international legal obligations.
“Pakistan will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights under the Indus Waters Treaty,” the spokesperson said.
Relations between Pakistan and India have remained strained for years over a range of issues, including Kashmir, allegations of cross-border terrorism, and disputes over water sharing, with diplomatic exchanges frequently marked by sharp rhetoric from both sides.
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