Summary
- He said Pakistan rejects India’s comments in their entirety.
- The spokesperson said Pakistan has reviewed the findings.
- However, he said the findings reflect concerns that Pakistan has long raised.
Pakistan has strongly rejected recent statements by Indian officials regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The Foreign Office said the remarks are baseless and an attempt to divert attention from the Kashmir dispute.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the remarks during the weekly press briefing. He said Pakistan rejects India’s comments in their entirety.
He stated that it is inappropriate for India to raise concerns about rights in Kashmir while denying fundamental rights to people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The spokesperson said India is attempting to shift focus from the unresolved Kashmir issue and its human rights record in the occupied region. He added that such statements are misleading.
He further said that AJK and IIOJK cannot be compared. He said the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir involves serious human rights concerns and restrictions.
In contrast, he said, Azad Jammu and Kashmir is governed under a democratic and constitutional framework. He said both regions are entirely different in nature and governance.
Pakistan reiterated that Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory. The spokesperson said its final status must be determined in line with UN resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
He added that Pakistan continues to support the right of self-determination for Kashmiris. He also urged India to agree to a UN-supervised plebiscite.
Pakistan Comments on Nuclear Report
The Foreign Office also responded to a recent SIPRI report on nuclear developments. The spokesperson said Pakistan has reviewed the findings.
He said Pakistan does not fully agree with the report’s methodology. However, he said the findings reflect concerns that Pakistan has long raised.
He said India’s growing nuclear capabilities could affect regional stability. He mentioned missile systems and submarine developments in this context.
He added that Pakistan does not want an arms race. However, it will take all necessary steps to maintain strategic balance.
He urged the international community to closely monitor nuclear developments in the region.
Warning Over Water Dispute Remarks
The spokesperson reacted strongly to reported statements by India’s water minister. The remarks suggested restricting water flow to Pakistan.
He said such statements are irresponsible. He said water cannot be used as a political weapon.
He warned that any attempt to block water would violate international agreements. He said it could also threaten regional peace and stability.
He said Pakistan’s water rights are non-negotiable. He added that Pakistan will defend its rights through all available means, including diplomatic and legal channels.
He further warned that obstructing water flows could be considered a serious escalation.
Efforts Underway for Somali Hostages
The Foreign Office also provided updates on Pakistani citizens held hostage on a vessel near Somalia.
The spokesperson said they have been in captivity for nearly 50 days. He said Pakistan is actively engaged in efforts for their release.
He said contact is ongoing with Somali authorities, ship owners, and local actors. He added that diplomatic efforts are continuing at multiple levels.
He also said Pakistan is working to ensure better conditions for hostages of different nationalities.
Pakistan Calls for Calm in Middle East
On the Middle East situation, the Foreign Office expressed concern over rising tensions.
The spokesperson said all parties must respect ceasefire understandings. He called for restraint and calm.
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