MILITARY
The Pakistan Army and Foreign Office strongly rejected the recent remarks by the Indian Army Chief, who termed Pakistan a "center of terrorism." Pakistan called the statement baseless, diversionary, and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army's spokesperson criticized the Indian Army Chief's comments, labeling them an "unsuccessful attempt to breathe life into a dead narrative." The ISPR statement further accused the Indian Army Chief of overseeing "extremely brutal oppression" in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).
ISPR’s Response
The ISPR described the remarks as an effort to divert global attention from human rights violations in IOJK, where the Indian military has been accused of systematic oppression of the local population.
“These politically incorrect statements reflect the politicized mindset of the Indian Army and serve to distract from India’s internal repression of minorities and its international transgressions,” the statement added.
Foreign Office’s Response
In a separate statement, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the allegations by the Indian Defense Minister and Army Chief, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory.
“The final status of Jammu and Kashmir must be determined in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” the statement emphasized.
The Foreign Office highlighted that India's claims over Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan have no legal or moral standing. The spokesperson added that such provocative statements are detrimental to regional peace and stability.
Focus on Human Rights Violations
The ISPR and Foreign Office pointed out that India has consistently attempted to deflect attention from its internal challenges, including:
- Brutality in IOJK: Suppression of Kashmiris’ rights under a militarized administration.
- Oppression of Minorities: Reports of systemic discrimination and violence against minority communities in India.
The statements underscored that documented evidence highlights India's involvement in terrorism, urging the global community to hold India accountable for its actions.
Call for Regional Stability
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the region, while urging India to address its internal issues and refrain from making baseless allegations.
“Such provocative statements undermine efforts toward resolving disputes and achieving regional peace,” the Foreign Office concluded.
Context
The recent statements come amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and allegations of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan maintains that dialogue, guided by international law and UN resolutions, is the only path to lasting peace.