Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan has strongly rejected what it described as India’s “baseless” statement regarding Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations against terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan, saying its actions were legitimate, targeted and proportionate under international law.
Responding to media queries regarding a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 29, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan categorically rejects India’s remarks concerning its operations against terrorist hideouts operating from Afghan territory.
“The statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is baseless,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan’s actions were lawful, carefully targeted and aimed at protecting its national security.
The spokesperson further stated that it was “ironic” for such remarks to come from a country that Pakistan alleges has historically interfered in the internal affairs of its neighbouring states and violated their sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also referred to Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stating that India continues to deny the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, in Pakistan’s view, contrary to relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Foreign Office spokesperson also alleged that India has been involved in supporting and sponsoring terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory against Pakistan, claims that India has consistently denied. He said such alleged actions undermine regional peace and violate relevant United Nations Security Council sanctions frameworks.
He added that what Pakistan described as “baseless allegations and provocative statements” from India should not be taken seriously by the international community.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s position, the spokesperson said Pakistan will continue to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to safeguard the security and protection of its citizens against terrorism.
The latest exchange comes amid continuing diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India over regional security and counterterrorism issues.
