Pakistan has dismissed India’s latest remarks on Azad Kashmir as politically motivated, insisting that peace must not be mistaken for weakness while renewing calls for the United Nations to enforce resolutions on Kashmir.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly rejected recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as an attempt to divert attention from India’s domestic political challenges and growing public discontent.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif responded after Singh stated that New Delhi would only engage in talks concerning Azad Kashmir, describing the region as an “integral part of India.” The Indian minister also warned that any move perceived as threatening India’s sovereignty would receive a “decisive response” from its armed forces and repeated allegations that Pakistan supports terrorism.
In response, Asif said the remarks reflected an effort to shift focus away from internal unrest and mounting criticism facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He urged India to avoid provocative statements and military posturing, warning that such rhetoric risks further escalating tensions in South Asia.
The defence minister reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability but stressed that its commitment should not be interpreted as weakness. He said Pakistan is fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity if challenged.
Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office also condemned the Indian minister’s comments, reaffirming Islamabad’s longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute. The ministry called on the United Nations to ensure implementation of Security Council resolutions that recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination through a UN-backed process.
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