ISLAMABAD, MAY 13: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly rejected what it termed “provocative and inflammatory assertions” made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warning that such remarks risk further destabilising an already tense regional environment and represent a “dangerous escalation.”
In a statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, Islamabad described the Indian premier’s recent address as “rooted in misinformation, political opportunism, and a blatant disregard for international law.”
“At a time when the world is making concerted efforts to restore regional peace and stability, such statements only serve to derail progress,” the spokesperson said, adding that India’s portrayal of Pakistan as seeking a ceasefire in “despair and frustration” was a “blatant lie.”
The ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control, according to the FO, was the result of diplomatic engagement, facilitated by several friendly countries who urged de-escalation. “Pakistan remains committed to this understanding and continues to take steps towards regional stability,” the statement said.
Terming the recent attack in Pahalgam as a “pretext” being exploited by India, the spokesperson said there was no credible evidence linking Pakistan to the incident.
He warned that India was attempting to “malign Pakistan, justify military adventurism, and serve domestic political objectives” by creating a false narrative of external threats.
The foreign office also condemned what it said was India’s “reckless targeting” of Pakistan’s military installations under a false pretext. “Despite Pakistan’s restraint following unlawful aggression against civilians, India escalated the situation by striking military bases — risking an uncontrollable spiral,” the statement noted.
Calling India a “revisionist actor,” the FO warned that such actions could jeopardise strategic stability in South Asia. “India is setting a dangerous precedent, dragging the region towards the brink of disaster,” the spokesperson remarked.
He also dismissed India’s justification of “cold-blooded murder of civilians, mostly women and children,” as part of its so-called “new normal.” Pakistan, the FO said, “totally rejects this assertion,” stressing that no one will be allowed to undermine the UN Charter.
The statement further emphasised that Pakistan’s military response to Indian aggression was “calibrated, precise, and limited to military installations.” “We proved our defensive strength. This is now an established and indisputable fact, not a subject for distortion through propaganda,” said the spokesperson.
Pakistan also criticised India’s “blatant disregard” for international agreements, including violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. “We will take all necessary measures to preserve our rights under the Treaty,” the FO stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding role in combating terrorism, the spokesperson said Islamabad has itself been a victim of “Indian-sponsored terrorism.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In a notable remark, the FO reiterated Pakistan’s support for former US President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute, terming the issue a “source of regional instability.”
“Peace is the true strength in this era,” the statement concluded. “Pakistan’s commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness. Any future aggression will be met with full resolve. We urge India to abandon politically motivated jingoism and work for the stability and prosperity of the region.”