ISLAMABAD, May 16 :Pakistan on Friday said that it was maintaining its military readiness to respond any misadventure of India under its jingoistic and hegemonic ambitions along with its preference for ceasefire over conflict amid regional security concerns in the aftermath of Ma\u2019arka-e-Haq.
\nForeign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, at his weekly press briefing, reaffirmed Islamabad\u2019s commitment to regional peace while underscoring its military preparedness and diplomatic engagements.
\nHe confirmed that tensions with India had escalated into direct hostilities in recent weeks, during which Pakistan\u2019s Armed Forces shot down six Indian aircraft.
\nHe said that the Pakistan Armed Forces remained \u201cever-ready\u201d in the face of \u201cIndia\u2019s unrelenting aggression.\u201d In response, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, a limited but strategic military campaign to defend its sovereignty, strictly targeting military infrastructure in accordance with the UN Charter.
\n\u201cOur response reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s military superiority and commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty,\u201d he said. \u201cThe nation stood united in this effort.\u201d
\nForeign Office Spokesperson welcomed the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire as a \u201cpositive development\u201d and acknowledged the role of several friendly nations, including the United States, T\u00fcrkiye, Saudi Arabia, and others, in mediating the agreement.
\nHe noted that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries have maintained \u201cperiodic and constructive contact\u201d and agreed on stage-wise de-escalation.
\nHe said that Pakistan returned a captured Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable, and India reciprocated by handing over a Pakistani Rangers sepoy.
\n \u201cThis reflects Pakistan\u2019s maturity and commitment to peace, unlike India, which must be urged to abide by its ceasefire commitments,\u201d he said.
\nShafqat Ali Khan emphasized Pakistan\u2019s preference for diplomacy and peaceful dialogue. He reiterated Islamabad\u2019s support for international mediation efforts, including the U.S.initiative to address the Kashmir dispute.
\n\u201cThe resolution of Jammu and Kashmir, a UN-recognized dispute under several resolutions, including UNSC Resolution 47, remains vital to regional peace,\u201d he said.
\nResponding to media queries pertaining to recent Indian claims of a nuclear facility being attacked, he dismissed reports as \u201cfake, preposterous, and a product of Indian propaganda.\u201d
\nHe urged New Delhi to \u201creverify such misinformation before dissemination.\u201d
\nHe expressed concern over India\u2019s continued militarization and growing defence budget, calling it \u201caggressive and hegemonic.\u201d
\nHe said that India\u2019s recent unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was a violation of international norms and must be reversed immediately to restore water-sharing obligations.
\n\u201cPakistan is a sovereign nation with resilient institutions and an able populace. We are fully prepared to defend ourselves without harbouring hegemonic ambitions,\u201d he stated.
\nHe highlighted ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including the trilateral talks between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan focused on regional security, development, and connectivity.
\nHe reaffirmed Islamabad\u2019s close ties with T\u00fcrkiye and Azerbaijan and expressed appreciation for Russia\u2019s \u201cclear and balanced position\u201d during Indo-Pak tensions.
\nRegarding allegations of terrorism, the spokesperson pointed out India\u2019s double standards: \u201cPakistan has never hesitated to condemn terrorism, and we remain one of its biggest victims. India\u2019s role in sponsoring terrorism in the region and beyond is well-documented.\u201d
\nHe noted that while Pakistan offered condolences to India over recent tragic event in Pahalgam, the same courtesy was never extended from the Indian side after terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
\nOn the issue of illegal foreigners, he said the repatriation drive, initiated in November 2023, is \u201congoing and being handled humanely and lawfully.\u201d
\nHe assured that Pakistan has established a 24\/7 hotline to address concerns regarding harassment, property disputes, or legal aid, particularly for Afghan nationals.
\nConcluding the briefing, he emphasized that Pakistan remained a strong advocate of peace, multilateralism, and rule-based international order.
\nHowever, he warned that continued Indian aggression, including its growing defence spending and diplomatic belligerence, could destabilize the region.
\n\u201cPakistan\u2019s vision is clear \u2014 we seek peace, not provocation. But rest assured, our Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to any misadventure. We hope India will abandon its jingoism and work towards shared regional prosperity,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, May 16 :Pakistan on Friday said that it was maintaining its military readiness to respond any misadventure of India under its jingoistic and hegemonic ambitions along with its preference for ceasefire over conflict amid regional security concerns in the aftermath of Ma\u2019arka-e-Haq. Foreign Office […]<\/p>\n
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